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NELSON GENEALOGY. 



PART I. 



SOME NEILSONS OF SCOTLAND. 



By WILLIAM NELSON. 



Patf-RSOn, N. ].: 

Thk Patkrson History Club, 

1904. 



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Copyrighted, 1904, by William Nelson. 



ONE HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED. 



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1 



CONTENTS. 



Forewords v. 

Extracts from "Historj' of the Lands and their Owners In Gallo- 
way" (Scotland), i-elating to the Nellsons 1 

Commissariat of Glasgow Testaments, being extracts from Nellson 

wills, 1564-1737 16 

Genealogical Table of the Foregoing Wills 37 

Extracts from the Rental Book of the Diocese of Glasgow, relating 

to Nellsons ^^ 

Abstract of Protocol of the Diocese of Glasgow, relating to James 
Neilson, Proctor, 1503-1513; James Nellson, Vicar of Clon- 
mell, 1507-1512; and other Nelsons, 1506-1510 45 

Bxti-acts from Wodrow's "History of the Sufferings of the Church 
of Scotland," etc., relating to the persecution and martyrdom 
of John Neilson of Corsock, who died for the faith 52 



i 



FOREWORDS. 



In the course of some investigations concerning the Nelson Fam- 
ily, pursued personally and with the aid of expert genealogists in 
England, Ireland and Scotland, the writer has inclined to the belief 
that in all probability there are two distinct origins of the family, one 
Celtic, and the other English, and more remotely Scandinavian. 

The former claims descent from that Neil, Earl of Carrick, who 
died in 1256, and whose three sons, at a critical period, brought their 
warrior septs from the North of Ireland to the assistance of Robert 
the Bruce, and so aided materially in seating him on the Scottish 
throne. In token of the royal gratitude the King granted great es- 
tates to the three brothers — to William and John lands in Craigcaffie, 
in the parish of Loch Ryan, Wigtonshire ; and to Gilbert a third of 
Cameleden (now Cumloden), parish of MinnigafF, Kirkcudbright- 
shire — all being in that southeastern district of Scotland known as 
Galloway. In the original charters these brothers are described as 
William filius Nigilli; Gilbcrti fil Nigclli, and John HI Nigclli et Car- 
rick: that is, William son of Neil; Gilbert son of Neil; and John 
son of Neil and Carrick; which by a transition easy to the Lowland 
Scotch in the course of time became William, Neil's son ; Gilbert, 
Neil's son, and John, Neil's son, whence Neilson. The Highland 
form, Mac Neil, was sometimes used, but the Celtic, O'Neil, is sel- 
dom if ever found in the Scottish annals. 

At Craigcaffie the Neilsons built a strong house or fortalice, which 
was still standing in 1870, though so far descended from its original 
knightly character as to be used as a farm-house — a change significant 
of the transformation which six or seven centuries have wrought in 
the social conditions of Galloway.' 

The arms of the Neilsons of Craigcaffie are described as : argent, 
three left hands (gules ?), bend sinisterways, two in chief and one 
in base, holding a dagger azure. Gilbert Neilson bore them in this 
form : Chevron, argent, and or, in chief two sinister hands couped, 
and erect, gules, and in base a similar hand holding a dagger, azure, 
point downwards. Crest, a dexter hand holding a lance erect, proper. 
Motto — Hie Rcgi servititim.' 

Tragic is the story of the Neilsons of Corsock, which place was 
granted to John Neilson and his wife, Isabel Gordon, in 1439. John 
Neilson of Corsock was cruelly persecuted for his adherence to the 

1 See pages 3. 4. 5. 10, post. 
' See page 2, post. 



VI 



Presbyterian Church, and finally, after most barbarous torture, was 
executed at Edinburgh in December, 1666. In 1749 another John 
Neilson of Corsock died in South Carolina, whither he had removed 
in the vain hope of restoring the fortunes of his family. The arms 
of the Corsock Neilsons differed slightly from those of Craigcaffie, 
being : Argent, three left hands, bend sinister, two in chief, and one 
in base, holding a dagger azure, with a crescent in the centre for the 
difference. Crest, a dexter hand, holding a lance erect, proper. 
Motto — Hie Regi scrvitium} 

These arms are obviously derived from those of the founder of 
the Neil family, known as Red O'Neil, or O'Neil of the Red Hand, 
whose arms were : Argent, a sinister hand, couped at the wrist, gules, 
proper. This was said to commemorate a fierce contest between some 
of those wild chieftains of the olden time to reach first the shore of 
an enemy, and so to lead in the attack. Neil was outstripped by some 
of his companions in arms, but not to be outdone drew his sword, cut 
off his left hand, and with the shout, "O Neil !" hurled the ghastly, 
bloody member to land, before any of the other chieftains had gained 
the shore. Hence, according to the fanciful Irish legend, the name, 
"O'Neill," and the arms of the family. The three bloody hands on 
the shield of the Scottish Neilsons signify the three sons of him whose 
shield bore the Red Hand. 

The proximity of Scotland to the North of Ireland, and the reli- 
gious and political influences invoked in the early years of the sev- 
enteenth century, brought about a large emigration from Galloway, 
and among those thus interested in the "Plantation of Ulster" were 
many Neilsons. There was a certain poetic fitness in this settlement 
of the Irish province by the Neilsons of Scotland, who all unwit- 
tingly were made the instruments for the dispossession of the great 
Earl Neil of Ulster, and thus, after four centuries spent in Scotland, 
were brought to their own again, after a fashion, they being, with 
the dispossessed Earl, descended from a common ancestor. Earl Neil 
of Carrick. 

Another stream of emigration from the Lowlands of Scotland 
poured over the English border into Yorkshire, and from the Neil- 
sons who thus came into England the Virginia Nelsons trace their 
origin. 

It is but natural to suppose that the Nelsons of Lancashire, Eng- 
land, are similarly of Scottish origin; but some of this family claim 
that their lands have been in their possession for eight centuries. 
The records of the Hundred of Leyland seem to bear out this state- 
ment. If this is true it would preclude the theory of a descent from 
the Neilsons of Scotland, and would point more directly to the Scan- 



iSee Nos, 7, 8. 9. 10. 13, 14, 15, 16, pages 2-10, 52-56, post. 



dinavian freebooters of the seventh to the ninth centuries as being 
more probably the ancestors of the Nelsons of this region. The arms 
of the Nelsons of Maudesley and Fairhurst, Lancashire, dating at 
least from 1664, are : Argent, a cross flory sa. over all a bend gules. 
Other Lancashire Nelsons bear arms : Or, a cross patonce sa. be- 
tween four mullets gu. a bendlet of the last. Crest : a lion's gamb 
erect ppr. holding an escutcheon sa. thereon a cross patonce or. 
There are differences, distinguishing various families.' 

The Nelsons of Bedale, Yorkshire, England, have arms : Per pale 
ar. and sa. a chev. between three fleurs-de-lis, all countercharged. 
The Nelsons of Grimston, Yorkshire, bear the same arms, and the 
crest : A cubit arm quarterly, ar. and sa. holding in the hand ppr. a 
fleur-de-lis per pale ar. and sa. 

The marked differences in these arms indicate separate origins 
for the Scottish, the Lancashire and the Yorkshire families, notwith- 
standing the general proximity of the seats of all three. 

The name Nelson is found in nearly every county in England, but 
perhaps more numerously in the seaboard counties, which were espe- 
cially exposed to the ravages of the Norse vikings. 

Among the Scandinavians family names were unknown, the son 
being designated by his father's name, with the suffix sen. Thus, 
Jan the son of Hans would be known as Jan Hanssen ; William son 
of Nils (the popular abbreviation of Nicholas) would be called 
William Nilssen, easily varied into William Nelson. The process has 
been going on for nearly three hundred years in the southern part of 
New Jersey, settled about 1635 by the Swedes, among whose descend- 
ants are many Nelsons, who have acquired their family name in the 
manner described. 

In the North of Ireland the names Neilson and Nelson are found 
in the same parish, and members of the same family spell the name 
differently. The probabilities are, as intimated above, that most if 
not all these families are descended from the Scottish Neilsons. But 
there remains the possibility that the Nelsons of Lancashire and of 
London and vicinity were located in Ulster by the London and other 
companies engaged in the Plantation of the province in the seven- 
teenth century. 

In view of the manifest descent of so large a portion of the Nel- 
sons from the Scottish family, the writer has collected the following 
notes from various sources not readily accessible, in order to make 
a preliminary contribution towards a Nelson Genealogy. 

The facts gleaned from the "History of the Lands and their Own- 
ers in Galloway" are of much interest and value in relation to the 



1 1 found these arms in a manuscript Herald's visitation in the Free 
Public Library of Manchester, England. 



Vlll 



Neilsons. The conjectures of the author of that work are of less 
importance, but are given for what they are worth. 

The extracts from "Commissariat of Glasgow Testaments," from 
1564 to 1737, there being sixty-three Neilson wills abstracted, were 
made by a thoroughly competent expert from the records in the Pub- 
lic Record Office in Edinburgh, at the writer's request, and as they 
have never been published they constitute a distinct contribution to 
the subject. The Genealogical Table of these extracts of wills has 
been prepared by the writer, to embody in condensed form the data 

thus presented. , , ..• 

The extracts from the Rental Book of Glasgow show the location 
of many Neilsons in that Diocese, from 1510 to 1565, with sundry 
particulars as to their means, occupations, relationships, etc 

The extracts relating to James Neilson, Proctor in the Diocese of 
Glasgow 1503-1512, indicate that he was a man of much prominence; 
James Neilson, Vicar of Clonmell, 1507-IS12, appears to have exer- 
cised considerable influence in his office; and the other Neilsons men- 
tioned on page 51, post, were also potent factors in their several local- 

'^'^The story of John Neilson of Corsock, and of his martyrdom for 
his faith, taken from Wodrow's "History of the Sufferings of the 
Church of Scotland," is of thrilling interest. It is but a single illus- 
tration, which might be multiplied indefinitely, of the heroic stuff of 
which the Neilsons of Scotland were made. 

If time and opportunity permit, the writer hopes to publish further 
contributions towards a Nelson Genealogy. 

Paterson, N. J., July 25. 1904- 



NELSON FAMILY 

GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES. 



Extracts from "History of the Lands and their Owners in 

Galioway . . . Vlith a historical sitetch of the district." 

By Peter Handyside MacHerlie. 3 Vols. 

Edinburgh, 1870-79. 



WIGTONSHIRE. 

1. Kirklands-Parish of Leswalt. Vol. I, p. 119. 

In November, 1644, Gilbert Neilsone had sasine of the 
lands; but this was, no doubt, in security, for Thomas 
Boyd had sasine of the same lands, 24th November, 1671. 
The infeftment of Gilbert Neilsone no doubt arose from 
the fact that Thomas Boyd was fined, about the year 1662, 
in the sum of £360, for his adherence to Presbyterianism. 

2. Donloch, or Duniocli— Parisin of Kirl<colm p. 
129. We afterwards trace that, in October, 1623, Gil- 
bert Neilsone had sasine of an annual rent of "fourtie-five 
merkis furth of the landis of Dunloch." 

3. Lochnaw-Parish of Leswalt. p. 99. In a 

precept for the infeftment of Andrew Agnew, as heir to 
his father, in the lands of Lochnaw, &c., i6th May, 1455, 
the name "rollandson (Roland) son of Andrew Neilson" 
appears as a witness. 



2 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

4. Balneil-Parishof NewLuce. Vol. 2, p. 244. 

In "Balneil" we have the town or residence of Neil, prob- 
ably some descendant of him of Carrick, the ancestor of 
the Neilsons, which name in the suffix has, however, a 
Scandinavian termination. Indeed, the whole name may 
be considered as such. 

5. Craigcaffie- Parish of LochRyan. p. 208. 
Nesbit gives the armorial bearings of the Neilsons as : Ar- 
gent three left hands, bend sinisterways, two in chief, and 
one in base, holding a dagger azure. Or, as Gilbert Ned- 
sone of Craigcaffie bore them : Cheveron, argent, and or, 
in chief two sinister hands couped, and erect gules, and m 
base a dagger, point downwards. Crest, a dexter hand 
holding a lance erect, proper. Moiio-Hic Rcgi serzntmm. 

KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. 

6 Duchra, now Hensol-Parish of Balmaghie 
Vol.3, PP 150-151. Also at the same time [November 
1665] Thomas Neilson. son to James Neilson of Arne, 
and Marion Gordon, his spouse, had sasine of the ten shd- 
ling land of the Maynes of Duchra * * * 
* * * * On 6th July 171 1 James Neilsone in Drum- 
glass, had sasine of the forty shilling land of Mains of Du- 
chrae, &c. 

7. Barscobe-Parish of Balmaclellan. pp. 67-68. 
It is stated that a daughter of William M'Clellan of Bars- 
cobe married Robert Neilson of Corsock, parish of Par- 
toun ************ In August 
1666 John Neilsone of Corsock, parish of Partoun, had 
sasine of Barscobe. As he was his [Robert M'Clellan's] 
cousin, and also a Covenanter, no doubt it was friendly 

aid. 

Succeeding the Revolution, on the 2d January, 169 1, 
John, son of John Neilson of Corsock, had retour. 



KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE NELSONS 3 

8. Drumanister-Parish of Balmaclellan. p. 103. 
The first notice of this farm found by us is in August, 
1666, when John Neilson of Corsock had sasine. Then, 
on the 15th January, 1674, James Cannan of Barnsalloch 
had principal sasine. Both the Neilsons and Cannans hav- 
ing been Covenanters, and their lands forfeited, in May, 
1682, the usual representative of Prelacy, George, Lord 
Livingstone, had sasine of the mylne lands of Dennister, 
&c. However, as with their other lands, Drumanister was 
restored to the Neilsons, John, son of John of Corsock, 
having had retour on the 2d January, 1691. 

9. Fairgarth or Forgarth— Parish of Colvend. p. 
338. Next there is the statement made by Nesbit that he 
saw a precept granted by James Lindsay, dated in 1489, 
in favor of John Neilson of Corsock. 

10. Earlstown- Parish of Dairy, p. 422. It is 

stated that a daughter of Sir Alexander Gordon of Earls- 
town, viz., Ann, born 1679, married in 1697 John Neilson 
of Corsock, parish of Parton, and had issue. 

11. Breconside— Parish of Kirkgunzeon. Vol. 4, 
p. 226. It is stated that a daughter of John Maxwell of 
Breconside, viz., Catherine, married Robert Neilson of 
Barncailzie, parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham. Died in 1758. 

12. Cumloden— Parish of Minnigaff. p. 411. To 
whom the land belonged prior to the time of Robert the 
Bruce we are not in possession of. He granted to Gil- 
berti fil Nigelli a charter of tertiam partem terrae de Cam- 
eleden. He was brother to John, who obtained Craigcaffie, 
parish of Lochryan, as the next entry is "Johannis fil Ni- 
gelli et Carricke, terre de Kellechaffe in Gallovidia." The 
surname became Neilson. The name is to be found ir 
Scandinavia. 



4 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

13. Corsock-Parish of Parton. Vol. 5, pp. 41-46. 
This property can be traced to the fourteenth century. 
There is a charter from King David II. in confirmation of 
a grant to Walter Stewart of Dalswinton, from John 
Randolph, Earl of Moray, who fell at Durham in 1346, 
of the lands of Corsock. This, however, could only have 
been one of those "sheepskin" transactions which those in 
favor at court were indulged in so much. The lands at 
this time appear to have been owned by the Lindsays. 
Subsequently there was a precept granted by James Lind- 
say of Forgirth (parish of Colvend), infefting John Neil- 
son and his wife Isabel Gordon in the lands of Corsock, 
which is dated in 1439; also a charter of confirmation, 
dated 20th July 1444, to Fergus Neilson, son and heir to 
John Neilson of Corsock, by Sir John Forrester of Cor- 
storphine (Edinburgh), and his wife Marion Stewart, 
which no doubt referred to the superiority obtained in the 
manner above described. The lands or farms comprising 
the estate are not mentioned. 

Before proceeding further, we will refer to the state- 
ment given by Nesbit in his Heraldry, that the surname 
Neilson was originally O'Neal, three brothers bearing it 
having arrived from Ireland who served with bravery 
under King Robert the Bruce. The hammers borne in 
the armorial bearings of the Neilsons of Corsock have 
been made use of to show by what weapon the service 
was rendered. We have no wish to go against well-sus- 
tained traditions, but we do not think this one. We think 
it is generally admitted that Gaelic was the language then 
in use in the district, and we therefore scarcely think it 
probable that Erse settlers would have the prefix "O" 
changed to the suffix "son." By Robertson's "Index of 
Charters" the name appears in Gaelic as MacNeil, which 
would have been retained if correct. The extract given 
is, "Joannis filii Gilbert! M'Neil, quinque denariatas terre, 



NELSONS OF CORSOCK 5 

in lie Rinns de Gallovidia." The charter in which it ap- 
pears was granted by King Robert Bruce. We can under- 
stand that as descendants of Neil, Earl of Carrick, they 
subsequently added "son," as the family was not of Celtic 
origin. Nesbit, indeed, tells what we gave under Craig- 
caffie, parish of Lochryan, Vol. I., that the first known 
was "William," described in a charter which Nesbit saw, 
as "filius Nigilli." This charter was also granted by King 
Robert I., the lands being those of Craigo. 

14. We will now follow Nesbit in his statement, ad- 
ding other information, that in 1497 a charter was granted 
by James Lindsay of Fairgirth, parish of Colvend, to 
John Neilson of Corsock, who married a daughter of John 
( ?) Cairns of Orchardtown, parish of Rerwick; that by 
her he had a son (name not given), who got the land of 
Arvie, which family ended in three daughters Avho died 
without issue, and the land was purchased by Corsock. 
Secondly: That he married Janeta, daughter of (James) 
Lindsay of Fairgirth, and had a son, John, who succeeded 
to the lands of Corsock, by charters granted in 1539 and 
1546. Also that John Neilson married a daughter of 

Kirkwall or Kirko of Bogrie (parish of 

Lochrutton), and was succeeded by his son John, who 
was in possession on the 15th March, 161 1, and built the 
present house of Corsock, on which a stone was placed 
above the head of the door of the tower, with the date, and 
the shield with their arms, but without crest or motto. He 
married Margaret, daughter of James Gordon of Macart- 
ney, now Walton Park, parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham, 
and had issue: 

Robert. 

Gilbert. 

We find that he was succeeded by his son Robert, who, 
on the 29th July, 1630, was infeft in the lands of Little 



O GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

Corsock, Marnhowle, Blackmark, and Arvie. We have 
been inclined to think that the property was divided 
under the designation of Meikle and Little Corsock; that 
the first was owned by the Lindsays and the latter by the 
Neilsons. This opinion we think is confirmed by the fact 
that on the 15th of March, 1664, James Lindsay, heir (pro 
avi) of James Lindsay of Forgirth, was infeft in the land 
Meikle Corsock, Auchinvey, and Ryis. 

In the valuation roll of 1642, Robert Neilson possessed 
also Auchenvey, Mairnhowl, and Cruchie. At the same 
period James Neilson owned Arvie and Loch, with Low 
Arvie, and Robert Glendonwyne of Parton, and his son 
James, Lower Armannoch. 

Robert Neilson married , daughter of William 

Maclellan of Barscobe, parish of Balmaclellan. He had 
issue : 

John. 

He succeeded his father, and was infeft on the 19th 
September, 1654. He married Annie, eldest daughter of 
Sir Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun, parish of Dairy, and 
had issue : 

John. 

Margaret, who died unmarried in 1780. 

John Neilson of Little Corsock was cruelly persecuted 
for his attachment to the Presbyterian Church. About 
1662 he was fined £600. Fined and persecuted, he was at 
length forced to leave his home; troops were quartered at 
his house; his wife and children turned out; his tenants 
also ruined from being compelled to furnish the troops 
with provisions. That he took up arms was the natural 
result. He was taken prisoner, and after excruciating 
sufferings from the application of "The Boot" (a diaboli- 
cal instrument of torture, of the same character as "The 
Scavenger's Daughter" in England) he was tried and sen- 
tenced to be hanged at Edinburgh on the 14th of Decern- 



NELSONS OF CORSOCK ^ 

ber, 1666, with the usual forfeiture of lands. Immedi- 
ately after his execution, Maxwell of Milton, parish of 
Urr, with thirty men, proceeded to his house, to which his 
family had returned, and under cover of legal authority 
they were again turned out and everything seized that was 
fancied. At this black period it was usual to try and save 
lands by transfer, and in this case, in February, 1666, we 
find that Gilbert, the uncle of John Neilson, had sasine. 

We will now refer to the Lindsays. Whom James Lind- 
say, already named, married we do not learn, but he had 
issue : 

James. 

Alexander. 

Francis. 

Samuel. 

Janet. 

On the 6th January, 1680, James, his son, was infeft. 

We find nothing more of the Lindsays. 

15. In regard to the Neilsons, on the 2d January, 1 69 1 , 
John, son of John Neilson, had retour of Corsock-Lindsay, 
comprehended in Little Corsock, viz., Warnhoill (Mairn- 
howl), Blackmart, Ervie, Creich, Auchinvae, Nether Ar- 
mannoch, in the parish of Partoun; also Lairdlach, in the 
parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham; and Barscobe, Mark or 
Earmark, Drumanister and Corodow, in the parish of Bal- 
maclellan. In what way John Neilson became possessed 
of all these lands does not appear. They were not en- 
joyed very long, if at all, for we have found in other cases 
that claims were made, and retour obtained, when others 
were in possession. On the 2d July, in the same year, 
John Maxwell of Middlebie had principal sasine of the 
five-merk land of Nether Corsock, &c., followed on the 
5th April, 1692, by John Neilson of Corsock. Also on 
the 2d January, 1705, Alexander M'Ghie, son to Alexan- 



8 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

der M'Ghie of Over Armanoch, had sasine of Over Arma- 
noch. 

John Neilson was married, but his wife's name is not 
known to us. So far as learned, they had issue, one son : 

John. 

John Neilson died in 1708, and was succeeded by his 
son, then a minor, whose mother it is stated managed the 
estate satisfactorily during his minority. He married, in 
1722, Janet, daughter and heiress of Robert Rae of Car- 
gen, parish of Troqueer. It was a runaway marriage. 
On the 5th January, 1723, John Neilson of Corsock had 
sasine of the twenty shilling land of Corsock. Again, on 
the 1st December, 1738, John Neilson of Corsock, heir to 
his father the deceased John Neilson of Corsock, had 
sasine of the five merk, twelve shilling and eightpenny 
land of Corsock-Lindsay, &c. On the 4th November pre- 
viously, Dorothea Clerk-Maxwell, daughter of the de- 
ceased William Clerk, advocate, and the deceased Agnes 
Maxwell, his spouse, and then spouse to George Clerk- 
Maxwell of Middlebie, second son to Sir John Clerk, bar- 
onet, and Baron of the Exchequer, had sasine of Nether 
Corsock, &c. 

John Neilson's marriage involved him in much after 
trouble, and added to his family difficulties. At last the 
land, being so much encumbered, got into the hands of 
creditors. He was obliged to leave his family, and ac- 
cepted a situation in South Carolina. He sailed on the 
20th October, 1748, and died there about a year afterwards 
— a sad end. At that time these parts, and the West- 
Indies, finished the earthly career of many a wanderer 
from Scotland, in search of wealth. He left issue : 

Richard. 

Thomas, a surgeon, went abroad, and died in 1758. 

Archibald went to North Carolina, but returned in 1776 
and succeeded his brother as a manufacturer in Dundee. 



NELSONS OF CORSOCK 9 

Ann, and two other daughters, whose names are not 
given. They all died unmarried. 

On the 5th December, 1 748, Mrs. Janet Rae, only law- 
ful daughter of the deceased Richard Rae of Cargen, and 
spouse to John Neilson of Corsock, had sasine. On the 
nth May, 1751, Andrew Crosbie of Merkland had sasine 
thereof. Then, on the ist June, 1754, Richard Neilson, 
manufacturer in Dundee, eldest son of the deceased John 
Neilson of Corsock, and Janet Roe (Rae), his spouse, 
had sasine of the five lib. land of Cargen, etc., parish of 
Troqueer. It would appear from this that he had suc- 
ceeded to these lands in right of his mother. She was 
alive subsequent to this date, as we find in September, 
1760, that Janet Rae, relict of John Neilson of Corsock, 
had sasine, but of which lands is not stated — no doubt of 
Cargen. 

From what we have given, it will be seen that the last 
of the Neilsons of Corsock was John, whose death in a 
foreign land — where, of course, he had gone to try and 
retrieve his fortune — with separation from his family, was 
a melancholy end. At that period a voyage across the 
Atlantic was no ordinary undertaking, as it now is, but 
one which was tedious; and in the Southern States pesti- 
lence and death were rife, as they were then throughout 
the western tropics. His eldest son. Richard, manufac- 
turer in Dundee, succeeded as the representative of the 
family. He married Christian, daughter of James Guth- 
rie of Craigie, and had issue: 

Archibald. 

William. 

David. 

Josiah. 

Janet. 



lO GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

16. The armorial bearings of the Neilsons of Corsock 
were: 

Arms — Argent, three left hands, bend sinister, two in 
chief, and one in base, holding a dagger azure, with a 
crescent in the centre for the difference. 

Crest — A dexter hand holding a lance erect, proper. 

Motto — Hie regi servitium. 

WIGTONSHIRE. 

17. Craigcaffie, or Craigcathie— Parish of Loch- 
ryan. Vol. 1, pp. 136-39. This property appears 
from Robertson's Index to Charters, in the Great Seal 
Register, to have been granted by Robert the Bruce to 
John, son of Neil of Carrick. The lands are therein 
called Kellechaffe. Instead of the usual Gaelic prefix Mac, 
they added the word "son" to Neil, hence Neilson. The 
Neilsons are said to have traced their descent from Neil, 
Earl of Carrick, who died in 1256. The property they 
acquired was never large. At Craigcaffie they built a 
strong house or fortalice, sometimes called a castle. It 
still stands, and is occupied by farm servants.^ The situa- 
tion, in a hollow, was not well chosen. It is to the east of 
Innermessan, and was surrounded by a fosse. As to the 
family, no very consecutive account can now be gathered. 
Nigello Nelsoun had a charter of the lands of Cxagcathy 
from James III., 12th July, 1474. 

Then there is a long blank of more than a century, when 
we find a charter to John Neilsoun of Craigcaffie, and his 
spouse, Margaret Strang, of the Mill of Innermessan, &c , 
29th July, 1592. He had previously had a charter of 
Craigcaffie, Smertoun, &c., united, 22d July, 1591. He 



1 "The Castle of CralgcafCel. formerly the seat of the extinct family of 
the Nelsons of Craigcaftei, Is still entire, and has been transmuted into 
a farm-house." It Is in the piirish of Inch, In Wigtonshlre. See "The 
Topographical, Statistical, and Historical Gazetteer of Scotland," Glas- 
gow, 1844, II.. 2. 



NELSONS OF CRAIGCAFFIE I I 

appears to have had a son, Alexander, who, in a charter of 
"Nether Craig, alias Craigcafifie," dated 2d July, 1601, is 
described as the eldest son of John Neilsoun of Craig- 
cafifie. He had also another son, Gilbert, who had a char- 
ter of the mill of Innermessan, 29th November, 1614. 
This Gilbert seems to have been an advocate, for he is so 
styled in a sasine, 31st December, 1618, as heir to his 
brother Alexander. In 1623 (23d April) he had the es- 
cheat of William Stewart of Dunduff, in Ayrshire, con- 
ferred on him; and in July of the same year fe had a 
charter of Blairquhan, no doubt as a guarantee for money 
advanced to the Kennedies of that place, who were then 
considerably embarrassed. Gilbert had a 3on, Thomas, 
who, in a charter of the Barony of Craigcafiie, i6th June, 
1639, is described as "iilio natu maximo Gilberti Neilsoun 
de Craigcafiie." The same Gilbert, we presume, had a 
charter of Pinbraid, Blackfardin, &c., in the county of 
Ayr, 28th November, 1635. 

The successor of Thomas was Gilbert, probably his son. 
Gilbert Neilsoun of Craigcafifie, advocate, had a charter 
of the lands of Leachtis, &c., 29th July, 1642, upon which 
sasine followed, loth August of the same year. He had 
also sasine of the lands and barony of Craigcaffie in No- 
vember, 1643. Robert Neilson, junior — but whether or 
not the son of Gilbert does not appear — had a charter of 
the lands of Craigcafifie, 13th September, 1647. T^h's 
Robert seems to have been succeeded by another Gilbert, 
who, in December, 1647, had sasine of the lands and bar- 
ony of Craigcafifie. He had a charter of the barony of 
Leacht, 4th April, 1649, and sasine thereafter in Novem- 
ber of the same year. Gilbert Neilson of Craigcafifie was 
fined in £1300 for his adherence to the Presbyterian faith, 
about 1662. 

Gilbert Neilson of Craigcafifie — but whether the snme 
individual does not appear — had a charter of the barony, 



12 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

14th July, 1675. I" August, 1678, Gilbert Neilsone, 
younger, had sasine of the lands and barony of Craig- 
cafifie. The family, about this period, or perhaps some 
time before, seem to have been involved in considerable 
pecuniary difficulties. In June, 1682, Cornelius Neilsone, 
merchant in Edinburgh, and Margaret Keith, his spouse, 
had sasine of the lands and barony, houses, yeards, &c. 
In this instrument, as in the first charter quoted, the name 
is spelled Craigcathie. Then, in May, 1688, Sir Thomas 
Kennedy of Kirkhill, late provost of Edinburgh, had sa- 
sine of the lands and barony. These were, no doubt, in 
security of loans advanced; for, on the 9th September, 
1695, Gilbert Neilsone of Craigcaffie had sasine of the 
lands of Meikle and Little Laight, with the fishing, &c. 
He appears to have married Margaret Kennedy, who, in 
a sasine, dated 23d September, 1720, is mentioned as the 
spouse of Gilbert Neilson of Craigcaffie. They had a son : 

John Neilson of Craigcaffie, who in a charter of resig- 
nation of the barony, 12th February, 1709, is styled 
"senioris de Craigcaffie." He had also a son named John, 
who appears to have a held a commission either in the 
army or navy. On the 12th May, 17 10, Lieut. John Neil- 
sone and Agnes Bell, his spouse, had sasine of the lands 
of Craigcaffie. On the 6th June, 1722, Thomas Kennedy, 
advocate, had also sasine of the lands and barony, both 
evidently as securities. 

John Neilson and his son had a charter of resignation 
of the lands of Craigcaffie, 26th July, 1732; and on the 
24th February, 1738, John Neilson, elder, of Craigcaffie, 
and Mrs. Agnes Bell, his spouse, granted a reversion to 
John Neilson, their eldest son, of their liferent of the lands 
of Craigcaffie. Again, on the 21st November, 1732, Lieu- 
tenant John Neilson of Craigcaffie, and John Neilson, his 
eldest son, had sasine of the lands of Craigcaffie, Braid, 
and Braidyeard. Then, on the ist November, 1758, John 



NELSONS OF CRAIGCAFFIE 13 

Neilson had sasine of the lands of Craigcaffie, and on the 
3d May, 1759, Mary Ross, his spouse, had sasine. 

This seems to have been the last of the Craigcaffie fam- 
ily. They were of good and ancient lineage. The prop- 
erty was small, and did not expand like others in the dis- 
trict, no doubt from lack of Court, or, what was even bet- 
ter, Church influence. 

18. On the 2d June, 1759, John M'Dowall of Logan 
had sasine of the lands of Craigcaffie, and on the 15th 
November, 1791, the Earl of Stair was duly infeft on a 
Crown charter. 

The Craigcaffie family sent forth various branches 
from time to time. According to the Great Seal Register, 
there were, in the Stewartry, the Neilsons of Chepman- 
leis, of Meithfield, Corsok, &c. ; and in Wigtonshire, of 
Lacht, Chapel, &c. 

19. Barncalzie— Parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham. 
Vol. 4, pp. 309-12. The first notice found by us in 
regard to this land is that Gilbert, second son of Neil 
Neilson of Craigcaffie, parish of Lochryan, obtained a 
charter from Henry, bishop of Whithorn, dean of the 
Chapel Royal of Sterling, and commendator of the mon- 
astery of Dundranan, with the special advice of the haill 
convent, of all and haill the lands of Barncalzie, Larg- 
laught, etc., under date 20th December, 1537. This was 
by virtue of a precept contained in a letter of confirma- 
tion by Pope Paul III. He was infeft in the haill lands 
on the 3d August, 1541. Whom Gilbert Neilson married 
is not known, but, so far as learned, he had issue : 

William. 

He succeeded his father, and got a precept of clare con- 
stat from Adam, commendator of Dundrennan,^ by infeft- 



1 The ancient name of the parish of Rerwick. 



14 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

ing him as heir, under date 17th June, 1547. WilHatn 
married and had issue: 

John. 

John succeeded. He married , daughter of 

MacKnight of Kilquhannadie, and had two sons : 

John. 

WilHam, of Marquhorns. 

John was infeft in the land on a precept of clare con- 
stat from Edward, commendator of Dundrennan, dated 
29th April, 1579. He succeeded his father, but died with- 
out issue, and was succeeded by his brother William. 
Whom he married is not stated, but he had issue : 

Gilbert, 

He succeeded, and was infeft as nephew and heir of 
John of Barncalzie, 20th May, 1588, and by sasine, 8th 
May, 1596. The lands of Marquhorns, Knockwalloch, 
etc., were confirmed to him by charter from John Murray 
of Lochmaben, Superior, 12th May, 1614. 

On the 3d June, 1617, John, son of Roger M'Nacht, 
merchant burgess, Edinburgh, had sasine of Larglach, or, 
as now called, Lairdlaugh. This must have been a wad- 
set. 

Gilbert Neilson married Grizel, daughter of 

Grierson of Capenoch, and had issue: 

David. 

He succeeded, and had a charter from John Murray of 
Lochmaben, dated 17th November, 1615, and was infeft 
on the 7th April, 1618. On the 29th July, 1630, Robert, 
son of John Neilson of Corsock, had retour of Largle- 
ache. This must either have been a wadset or referring 
to the superiority. David Neilson married Isabel, daugh- 
ter of John Maclellan of Bar, and had a son : 

John. 

He succeeded, and had sasine, on the 30th September, 



NELSONS OF BARNCAILZIE 1$ 

1637. John, son of Robert Neilson of Corsock, had re- 
tour on the 19th September, 1654. These entries in re- 
gard to the Neilsons of Corsock are rather conflicting, as 
a John and Robert of Lairdlaugh (or Barncalzie) appear 
about the same period. So far as we can judge, they were 
distinct, and not one and the same person. 

John Neilson of Barncalzie, etc., married, but whom we 
do not know. He had issue, but the name of the heir to 
the land alone is found. His name was 

Robert. 

He succeeded, and was infeft on 20th July, 1665. He 
obtained a ratification of other lands, which his father had 
purchased. He also had sasine of the six merk land of 
Corbelly, and two merk land of Garloff, on the 2d June, 
1683. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Stewart 
of Shambelly, parish of New Abbey, and left a son : 

Robert. 

He succeeded, and was infeft 19th (26th ?) September, 
1732. He married Catherine,daughter of Alexander Max- 
well of Ferraughty, parish of Troqueer, and had an only 
child : 

20. Mary. 

She was heiress, and had sasine on the 4th June, 1747, 
of the merk land of Barncailzie. and the two merk land 
of Lairdlaugh, etc. She married Robert Glendonwyn, late 
of that ilk, and left issue : 

William. 

Charles. 

Agnes. 

21. She must have sold the lands soon after her mar- 
riage, as we find John Syme, writer to signet, of Barncal- 
zie. Whom he married is not known to us, but he had a 
daughter named Janet, who married William, second son 



l6 GALLOWAY FAMILIES 

of John Maxwell of Ferraughty and Munches. The land 
was not long retained by John Syme. 

In the Valuation Roll of 1799 the only farm named is 
Barncalzie, which was then owned by Major General 
Thomas Goldie of Goldielea, parish of Troqueer. In 1819, 
the Hon. Fletcher Norton of Norton was the owner. He 
sold the land to Robert Kirkpatrick-Howat of Mabie, par- 
ish of Troqueer. They were again sold to Thomas Boyd 
Dick, who was a few years ago proprietor. 

22. The farms owned are Lairdlaugh, Westfield, and 
Barncalzie Mains; Shankfoot and Mill pool, Lochpark. 
The name Lairdlaugh appears to be a corruption of the 
old name Larglaught or Larglach, from the Gaelic learg 
or leirg, a little eminence, and the old Scottish word leuch 
or leugh, low-lying. The only other name which we will 
refer to is Barncalzie, which Pont, in his map, spells Bar- 
keylly. We think the proper rendering of it would be 
Barcoille, the wooded hill 

Commissariat of Glasgow Testaments. 



23. Vol. I. Inventory of the Goods, etc. which per- 
tained to the deceased James Neilsoun in Lytill Fulwod, 
who died intestate given up by Katherine Sympill his 
spouse, and mother to Cristin, Margaret, Jonet and Helen 
Neilsoun, daughters to the said deceased James, who are 
decerned Executrices Dative to their said father on 8 
January 1564. 

Free Gear f 138. 5s. .. 

Robert Neilsoun father to the deceased is mentioned as 
a creditor. 

Confirmed 8 January 1564. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS I? 

24. Vol. I. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Issobell Neilsoun spouse to 
Patrick Buchanan in Craigtoun, parish of Kilpatrick, who 
died in the month of February 1610, given up by the said 
Patrik in behalf of Patrik and Agnes Buchanan bairnes 
lawful to them, & Executors dative decerned to their said 
deceased mother. 

Free Gear £40 .. .. 

Confirmed 9 July 1610. Cautioner not named. 

25. Vol. 8. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased John Neilsoun in Cubracane 
in the parish of Kilerne, who died in February 161 1, given 
up by John, Janet, Kathrein and Agnes Neilsoun bairns 
procreat betwixt the defunct and Elizabeth Buchanan his 
last spouse, and by Andro and John Neilsoun bairns pro- 
creat betwixt the deceased and the late Kathrein Barhoick 
his first spouse. Executors Dative decerned to him. 

Free Gear f 132. 14. 4. 

Confirmed 26 May 1612. John Buchanan at the Kirk 
of Killairne is cautioner. 

26. Vol. 9. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Issobell Neilsoun spouse to 
William Mauchane in Garroch in the barony of Glasgow, 
who died in Feb. 1614, given up by John and Archibald 
Mauchanes bairns procreat betwixt them, and Executors 
Dative decerned to her. 

Free Gear £302. 7. 4. 

Confirmed 30 April 16 14. John Mauchane in Glasgow 
is cautioner. 

27. Vol. 11. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased John Neilsoune in 
Over Gyneshill in the parish of Dunlope, who died in Jan- 
uary 1615, given up by himself as appears by his Latter 
Will. 



1 8 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

Free Gear £256. 8s. .. 

In his Will, dated at Gemishill 24 January 161 5. the 
deceased nominates Jonet Dunlope his spouse his only Ex- 
ecutrix, and makes provision for John, Jonet and Mar- 
garet Neilsounes his children at the sight of Robert Neil- 
soune of Bordland his brother and Robert Neilsoune 
younger his son. John Dunlope in Overhill is also an 
overseer: and Robert Dunlope elder and younger in 
Nether Gymshill are witnesses. 

Confirmed 23 Nov. 161 5. Andrew Wat in Gymshill is 
cautioner. 

28. Vol. 13. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
goods, etc. of the deceased Euphame Neilsoune spouse to 
Robert Calmeroune merchant burgess of Glasgow, who 
died in the month of July 1616, given up by the said Rob- 
ert in behalf of James Calmeroune lawful bairne to them. 

Free Gear £47. 14s. .. 

Confirmed 25 Feb. 161 7. James Birscat, tailor, burgess 
of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

29. Vol.13. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
goods, etc. which pertained to the deceased Fiiilay Neil- 
soune in Birkinheid in the parish of Kilbarchane, who 
died in the month of January 161 7, given up by Elizabeth 
Clarke his relict in name of Alexander, Christiane and 
Margaret Neilsounes bairnes lawful to them, and Execu- 
tors Dative decerned to their said deceased father. 

Free Gear £148. i6s. .. 

Confirmed 2 June 161 7. Lyoune Neilsoune in Southbar 
is cautioner. 

30. Vol. 14. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the late Patrick Neilsoune in Blairquosche 
in the parish of Strablane, who died in March 161 7, given 
up by Jonet Blair his relict in behalf of James and John 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS IQ 

Neilsounes bairnes lawful, and Executors dative decerned 
to the defunct. 

Free Gear ^392 .. .. 

James Neilsoun in Cannothell and Downie Neilsoune 
in Caldstreade are mentioned as debtors, and Elspeth 
Neilsoune as a creditor. 

Confirmed ii Nov. 1617. James Bachope in Drumqu- 
hairne is cautioner. 

31. Vol. 14. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased William Neilsoune in Litle 
Camhothell in the parish of Balfrone, who died in Febru- 
ary 1616, given up by James Neilsoun his son, and Exec- 
utor Dative decerned to his said deceased father. 

Free Gear £30. 6. 8d. 

Confirmed 11 Nov. 1617. James Bachope in Drumqu- 
hairne is cautioner. 

32. Vol.14. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Mareon Armour spouse to 
James Neilsoune, maltman, burgess of Glasgow, who died 
in April 1617, given up by the said James in behalf of 
William, Jeane and Jonet Neilsounes bairnes lawful to 
them. 

Free Gear £6 13. 4. 

Confirmed 30 Dec. 16 17. James Gib, maltman, burgess 
of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

33. Vol. 15. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased John McClorkane in Craig- 
milne and deceased Neilsoune his spouse in the 
parish of Innertig, who died both in the month of July 
1614, given up by Cristiane McClorkane daughter lawful 
and Executrix Dative decerned to the defunct. 

Amount of Inventory . . . £79. 6. 8d. 
Confirmed 13 June 1618. Patrick McClog in Lersing 
is cautioner. 



20 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

34. Vol. 15. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. pertaining to the deceased Margaret Neilsoun 
spouse to John Reid merchant burgess of Glasgow, who 
died in January 1618, given up by herself as to the nom- 
ination of the Executor, etc. and partly given up by the 
said John Reid. 

Free Gear ^3403. 12. 5. 

In her Will dated at Glasgow 3 January 1618, the de- 
ceased nominates the foresaid John Reid to be her only 
Executor; and names legacies to^ James Neilsoun her 
brother, James Neilsoun lawful son to Hew Neilsoun 
tailor, to Margaret Neilsoun daughter to William N. 
younger, and to Mareon and Agnes Neilsoun her two sis- 
ters. John Neilsoun burgess of Glasgow is witness to the 
Latter Will. 

Confirmed 8 July 1618. Patrik Colquhoun in Rottoun 
Raw, burgess of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

35. Vol. 1 7. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 

Goods etc. of the deceased Hew Neilsoun tailor burgess of 
Glasgow, who died in August 1619, given up by Marga- 
ret Smyth his relict in behalf of James Neilsoun only law- 
ful son and Executor dative to the deceased. 

Free Gear £122. 8. 4. 

Confirmed 13 Sept. 1620. William Neilsoun younger, 
maltman, burgess of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

36. Vol. 18. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Margaret Smyth 
relict of Hew Neilsoun tailor burgess of Glasgow, who 
died in the month of January 1622, given up by herself 
as to the nomination of her Executors, and partly given 
up by William Neilsoun younger maltman burgess of 

• The deceased makes a special bequest also In favor of her Father 
Wm Neilsoun elder. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS 21 

Glasgow, in behalf of James Neilsoun her son only Exec- 
utor, acceptor of the same. 

Free Gear £43. 18. 8. 

The Will, dated at Glasgow 8 January 1622, contains 
the nomination of Wm Neilsoun elder, Wm Neilsoun 
younger, maltman, and James Neilsoun her lawful son, 
her only Executors, and leaves all her property to the 
said James, whom she appoints to be guided during his 
minority by the said Wm Neilsoun younger. 

Confirmed 23 Feb. 1622. William Neilsoun younger 
foresaid is cautioner. 

37. Vol. 20, pt. 1. Testament Dative and Inventory 
of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Bar spouse to John 
Neilsoun, Notary, burgess of Irwen, who died in Decem- 
ber 1625, given up by her said spouse in behalf of William, 
Alexander, Laurence, Agnes, Jonet and Jeane Neilsoun 
lawful bairnes to the defunct, and Executors Dative to 
her. 

Free Gear £45. 6. 8d. 

Confirmed 8 January 1627. James Neilsoun, cordiner, 
burgess of Irwen, is cautioner. 

38. Vol. 20, pt. 1. Testament Dative and Inventory 
of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Cristiane NcGrenane 
spouse to James Neilsoune in Piemont in the parish of 
Girvan, who died in the month of October 1626, given up 
by the said James in behalf of John Neilsoune lawful son 
to the defunct and Executor Dative to her. 

Free Gear £48. 11. 4d. 

Jonet NcKgrenane sister to the deceased is a creditor. 
Confirmed 30 Augt. 1627. Robert Kennedy in Balla- 
choill is cautioner. 

39. Vol. 21, pt. 2. Testament Testamentary and 
Inventory of the Goods, etc. which pertained to the de- 
ceased Gilbert Neilsoun in Fuirdhons of Craigneill in the 



22 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

parish of Colmonell, who died in January 1628, given up 
by himself as his Will proports. 

Free Gear £106 

Alexander Neilsoun brother to the deceased is owing 
in the sum of £10. 

In his Will, dated 21 January 1628, the deceased nom- 
inates Janet McKevne his spouse, Gilbert, John, Bessie, 
Agnes, and Jonet Neilsounes his only begotten bairnes 
lawful his only Executors; and makes bequests to John 
and Gilbert Neilsounes, and to James Neilsoun his broth- 
er's son. Mention is made of Bessie Kennedy mother to 
the said Gilbert; as also of John, Gilbert, and James 
Neilsoun lawful bairnes to the deceased Alexr Neilsoun 
sometime in Fuirdhous of Craigneill. 

David MacRiwine in Craigneill is witness to the Lat- 
ter Will. 

Confirmed 2 Septr. 1628. John Macllvoat in Schalloch 
is cautioner. 

40. Vol. 21, pt. 2. Testament Dative and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc., of the deceased Sara Neill spouse 
to William Neilsoune elder, maltman, burgess of Glasgow, 
who died in June 1628, given up by Mareoun Neilsoune 
spouse to John Andersoune, cordiner, burgess of Glasgow, 
lawful daughter, and Executrix Dative to her said de- 
ceased mother. 

Free Gear £1669 

Mareoun Neilsoun spouse to John Anderson, cordiner, 
burgess of Glasgow, is a creditor. 

Confirmed 27 Dec. 1628. William Wilsoun younger, 
merchant, burgess of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

41. Vol. 23. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Alexander Neil- 
soun in Spittell of Ballach Maidane in the parish of Drum- 
men, who died in April 163 1, given up by his own mouth 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS 2$ 

as to the nomination of his Executrix etc., and partly 
given up by Margaret Neilsoun his spouse. 

Free Gear £922 

The Will is dated at Spittell of Ballach Maidane 18 
April 1 63 1, wherein the deceased nominates his spouse 
foresaid as his only Executrix for the weill of William, 
Walter, and Janet Neilsounes his bairnes with advice of 
Patrick Neilsoune in Camoquhell, James Neilsoune her 
brother there, and John Neilsoune in Kilfasset. 

Confirmed 9 November 1631. James Neilsoune in Cam- 
othell is cautioner. 

42. Vol. 23. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Agnes Dickie spouse 
to James Neilsoune, cordiner, burgess of Irwen, who died 
in July 1632, given up by herself as her Latter Will pro- 
ports. 

Free Gear £814. 4. 4d. 

In her Will, dated at the Burgh of Irwen 11 July 1632, 
the deceased nominates her said spouse together with 
William Dickie in Bourtriehill and Robert Dickie in Gour- 
shalloch her brothers german her Executors, and names 
legacies to John, Jonet, and Elizabeth Neilsoun her chil- 
dren. 

Confirmed 14 August 1632. Hugh Montgomery in 
Bowis is cautioner. 

43. Vol. 24. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Robert Neilsoune 
portioner of Over Bordland in the parish of Dunlope, who 
died in October 1631, given up by himself. 

Free Gear £192. 11. 8d. 

The deceased in his Will, dated at Over Bordland 17 
Oct. 1 63 1, nominated Agnes Gemmill his spouse his only 
Executrix, to whom he leaves his whole free gear. 

Confirmed 9 April 1633. Archibald and David Neil- 



24 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

sounes, sons to Agnes Gemmill, relict and Executrix fore- 
said, are cautioners. 

44. Vol.24. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, Geir, etc. which pertained to the deceased John 
Chirrie, mariner, burgess of Glasgow, who died in the 
month of September 1634, given up by George Alexander, 
merchant, burgess of Glasgow, Executor Dative quo cred- 
itor decerned to him. 

Amount of Inventory . . . £133. 6. 8d. 
Confirmed 16 October 1634, John Campbell Notary in 
Glasgow, cautioner. 

45. Vol. 25. Testament Dative and Inventory of 
the Goods, etc. of the deceased Issobell Neilsoune spouse 
to Wm Reid in Mylnetoun, in the parish of Sanct Kavox, 
who died in Deer. 1633, given up by the said William in 
name of William Reid, Bessie, Margaret, and Mareoune 
Reid, lawful bairnes, & Executors dative to their said de- 
ceased mother. 

No Free Gear. 
Confirmed 5 Nov. 1635. John Hay burgess of Prest- 
wick is cautioner. 

46. Vol.25. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods of the deceased William Neilsoune, merchant, bur- 
gess of Glasgow, who died in January 1636, given up by 
Marie Barclay his relict in behalf of James Neilsoune her 
lawful son and Executor Dative decerned to the defunct 
10 March 1636. 

Free Gear £9 

Confirmed 25 March 1636. John Selkrig, Notary in 
Glasgow, cautioner. 

47. Vol. 25. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Neilsoune 
spouse to James Sympsoune in Townheid, burgess of 
Paisley, who died in Nov. 1636, given up by herself. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS 3$ 

Free Gear £37. 6. 8d. 

The Latter Will of the deceased is dated at Paisley 9 
Nov. 1637, and contains the nomination of the said James 
her spouse to be her only Executor, to whom she leaves 
her part of the free Gear. 

Confirmed 15 March 1637. John Andersoune, cowper 
in Calsiesyd of Paisley, is cautioner. 

48. Vol. 26. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased James Neilsoun, 
cordiner, burgess of Irwen, who died in February 1642, 
given up by himself on 3 Feb. 1642, in presence of John 
Neilsoune writer of the Will. 

Free Gear £1942. 18. lod. 

The deceased in his Will, dated as above, nominates 
John Neilsoun his eldest lawful son and apparent heir he 
being on life, and failing of him by decease, Jonet Neilsoun 
his lawful daughter only Executors to him; and names 
legacies to John, Jonet and Elizabeth Neilsoun his lawful 
bairnes. 

Confirmed 16 August 1642. Robert Montgomery mer- 
chant, and John Barclay tailor, burgesses of Irwen, are 
cautioners. 

49. Vol.27. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
deceased Jonet Neilsoune in Erskyne in the parish thereof, 
who died in the month of 1643, given up by Robert 
Neilsoun her brother german and Executor Dative de- 
cerned to her 10 Augt. 1643. 

Amount of Inventory . . . £67. 13. 4d. 
Confirmed 15 Augt. 1643. John Adam, servitor to the 
Commissary of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

50. Vol. 27. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased William Neilsoun 
elder, maltman, burgess of Glasgow, who died in April 



26 



GLASGOW FAMILIES 



1643, given partly by himself and partly by William Neil- 
soun, present bailie of the said burgh, his lawful son. 
Free Gear £2621. .. 

The defunct was owing to Jonet Neilsoun for ferme & 
dewty £12. .. 

The Will dated at Glasgow 23rd April 1643, contains 
the nomination of the said William his son to be his only 
Executor; and also a legacy to "Margaret and Jonet Neil- 
sounes daughters to the said William equally between 
them 600 merks ; Item to Jonet Neilsoun his oy^ and doch- 
ter to Walter N. 300 merks." 

Confirmed 25 Janr. 1645. Walter Neilsoun, maltman, 
burgess of Glasgow, is cautioner. 

51. Vol. 27. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Marie Barclay relict 
of William Neilsoun burgess of Glasgow, who died in 
January 1645, given up by herself, and partly given up 
by George Montgomery of Brooomlands brother in law 
to the defunct. 

F. G £835. 4s. 

Mareon Neil[soune] and Walter Neilsoun, maltman, 
burgess of Glasgow, are entered as debtors to the deceased. 

The Latter Will is dated at Glasgow 29 Nov. 1644, 
wherein she nominates George Montgomrey foresaid her 
only Executor, and makes bequests in favour of Issobell 
Barclay her sister german : Item to Cowper daugh- 

ter to the late Jean Barclay her sister german; Item to 
Annas Barclay, her father's sister; Item to Mr. Gawin 
Barclay, to Agnes Barclay, to Margaret Barclay, to Annas 
Barclay, her brother and sisters german, and also to Will- 
iam Barclay eldest lawful son to Robert Barclay of Peirs- 
town her brother. 

Confirmed 23 January 1645. Hew Montgomerie in Bal- 
hous is cautioner. 

' Granddaughter. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS ZJ 

52. Vol.28. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Bessie Mitchell spouse to John 
Neilsoun, merchant, burgess of Ayr, who died in Septem- 
ber 1647, given up by the said John in behalf of John and 
Jonet Neilsounes their lawful bairnes & Executors Dative. 

F- G £742. 3. 4. 

John Mitchell sailor in Ayr is a creditor. 
Confirmed 28 January 1649, and Mathow McAlexander 
merchant burgess of Ayr is cautioner. 

53. Vol. 28. Testament — not execut — and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Lieutenant William 
Scott, merchant, burgess of Glasgow, who died in the 
month of March 1650, given up by the deceased Mareon 
Neilsoun his relict only Executrix testamentar nominated 
by him; and also of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Mar- 
eon Neilsoun herself, who died in August 1651, given up 
by James Merschell, merchant, burgess of Glasgow, son in 
law to the said Mareon, & Executor dative to her quo ad 
non executo decerned 21 Oct. 1651. 

Free Gear £2214 

Alexr. Scott brother german to the deceased Lieut. Wm. 
Scott, and Walter Neilsoun, maltman, burgess of Glas- 
gow, are mentioned as in possession of some of the Goods. 

Confirmed 3 Deer. 1651. Robert Boyle, mert burgess 
of Glasgow is cautioner. 

54. Vol.29. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Stephane Neilsoune in the Bar- 
ony of Glasgow (of Kirkpatricke), who died in Nov. 
1646, given up by John Kirkland indweller in Glasgow, 
son in law to the deceased, and Executor Dative to him. 

Inventory and Debts .... £90. 6. 8d. 
Confirmed 13 January 1657, David Pitcairne burgess of 
Glasgow, cautioner. 



28 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

55. Vol. 29. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Neilsoune 
relict of George Cuik merchant, burgess of Glasgow, who 
died in Feb. 1658, given up by herself, and partly given up 
by James Cuik youngest lawful son to the defunct, & Ex- 
ecutor dative to her. 

Free Gear £466. 13. 4d. 

The Will is dated at Glasgow 22 Feb. 1658, wherein 
she nominates the said James Cuik her only Executor, and 
leaves 100 merks to George Cuik her eldest son mercht. in 
Danskin. 

Confirmed 11 January 1658, William Donaldson, mert. 
burgess of Glasgow, cautioner. 

There is an Eik to the above Testament containing the 
sum of £54., due to the deceased by James Woddrop of 
Deldowie. 

Confirmed 4 Janr. 1659, Robert Cuik merchant in Glas- 
gow is cautioner. 

56. Vol. 30. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Laurence Neilsoun 
merchant, burgess of Irving, in tiie burgh thereof, who 
died in December 1661, given up by himself, and partly 
by Margaret Cathcart his relict, and only Executrix to 
him. 

Free Gear ^5875. 12. 6d. 

James Neilsoun in Stewartoun, John Neilsoun in 
Dounepatrick and Alexr. Neilsoun in Irvin are debtors; 
and Sara and Issobell Neilsoune, sisters to the defunct, are 
entered as creditors. 

The Will is dated at Irvin 28 Deer. 1661, wherein he 
nominates the said Margaret C. his spouse to be his only 
Executrix, and names legacies to John, Alexander and 
Kathren Neilsoune, bairnes to Alexr. Neilsoun his broth- 
er, and to Jean Cathcart his sister in law. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS 29 

Confirmed i Sept. 1662. James Fullertone mercht. 
burgess of Irving is cautioner. 

57. Vol, 30. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased David Neilsoun in 
Gamhill in the parish of New Kilmarnock, who died 6 
Septr. 1662, given up by Sir William Muir of Rowallane 
as assigney to the defunct. 

Free Gear £808. 4. 8d. 

Confirmed 12 Deer. 1662. Robert Broune, Notary at 
Stewartoun, is cautioner. 

58. Vol.30. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. which pertained to the deceased Jonet Neil- 
soun, daughter lawful to the deceased Laurence Neilsoun, 
merchant, burgess of Irving, who died in January 1663, 
given up by Alexr. and Agnes Neilsoune, brother and sis- 
ter lawful to the said Laurence, and by Thomas Gait in 
Langdreghorne, husband to the said Agnes, executors da- 
tive to her. 

Amount of Inventory Left to her by her 

Father £2171. 12. 8d. 

Confirmed 11 March 1663. Simon Pittersgill, clothier 
in Glasgow, is cautioner. 

59. Vol. 30. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased William Neilsoune elder late 
bailie of Glasgow, who died in October 1662, given up by 
Jonet Neilsone relict of Daniell Wallace, merchant in 
Glasgow, only lawful daughter and Executrix dative to 
the defunct decerned 26 March 1663. 

Free Gear £2296. ids. 

Confirmed 2 June 1663. John Stirling merchant, bur- 
gess of Glasgow, cautioner. 

60. Vol. 30. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Margaret Neilsoun spouse to 



30 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

John Merschell merchant in Glasgow, who died in Deer. 

1662, given up by the said John Executor dative to her. 

No Free Gear. 
Jonet Neilsoun relict of Daniell Wallace is a creditor. 
Confirmed 29 April 1664, Robert Couper, burgess of 
Glasgow, cautioner. 

61. Vol. 30. Testament Dative and Inventory of 
the Goods, etc. of the deceased Wmphra Neilsoune in Eis- 
ter Kilf asset in the parish of Balfron; and of Margaret 
Schort his spouse, who died, the said Wmphra in the 
month of August, and the said Margaret in November 
thereafter 1664, given up by Patrick Neilsoun son lawful 
to the defunct, and Executor Dative to him decerned on 
21 May 1664. 

Free Gear ^125 

Confirmed July 1664. John Neilsoune in is cau- 

tioner. 

62. Vol.30. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc., of the deceased James Neilsoun younger at 
Balglas Miln, in the parish of Killern, who died in June 

1663, given up by George Neilsoune brother to the defunct 
and John Neilsoun in Bent his brother in law. Executors 
dative to him. 

Free Gear ^99 

Mention is made of James Neilson the deceased's 
Father. 

Confirmed i July 1664. James Neilsoun in Balglas 
Miln is cautioner. 

63. Vol. 31. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Andrew Neilsoun 
in Balhomy, in the parish of Cammonell, who died in June 

1664, given up by himself. 

Free Gear £625. 16. 4d. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS 3 1 

The deceased's Will is dated at Bolhomie 30 June 1664, 
wherein he nominates his spouse Marion Dowell to be his 
only Executrix, and failing of her, his two sons John and 
Andrew Neilsoune, equally betwixt them. The deceased 
ordains his free goods to be divided among his four chil- 
dren, namely, the said John and Andrew, and Marion and 
Margaret his two daughters. 

Confirmed 8 August 1664. John McCIymont in Mayns 
of Craignell is cautioner. 

64. Vol. 31. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Patrick Neilsoun 
at Wodend of Kilfasset, in the parish of Balfron, who died 
in Feb. 1665, given up by himself, and partly given up by 
John Neilsoun younger in Bent and John Mclllhois in 
Gairden. 

Free Gear ^553- 6s. .. 

John Neilsoun younger in Bent is a debtor to the de- 
funct. 

In his will dated at Wodend of Kilfasset 6 Feb. 1665, 
the deceased nominates the foresaid John Neilsoun and 
John Mclllhois to be his Executors in name and behalf of 
John, Margaret, and Elspeth Neilsoune, bairns procreat 
betwixt the said Patrick Neilsoun and the deceased Jonet 
Mclllhois his first spouse, and in behalf of Wmphray Neil- 
soun only child procreat betwixt him and Marjorie Lome 
his present spouse. He leaves to his said spouse that 
House called the Chamber, last possessed by the late 
Wmphra Neilsoun his father; and divides his estate 
among his children above named. 

Confirmed 13 May 1665. Thomas Mclllhois in Garden 
is cautioner. 

65. Vol. 31. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Archibald Neilsoun in Auld- 
hill in the parish of Dunlope, who died in April 1661, 



32 GLASGOW FAMILIES 

given up by John Neilsoun in Auldhill his son and Exec- 
utor dative to him. 

Free Gear £85. 16. 8d. 

Confirmed 31 August 1665. James Cunninghame of 
Aiket is cautioner. 

66. Vol. 32. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Agnes Neilsone reHct of John 
Semple in Fulwood, in the parish of Killellane, who died 
in February 1664, given up by John Semple son lawful 
and Executor dative decerned to the defunct. 

Free Gear £50. 6. 8d. 

Confirmed 13 January 1666. John Semple in Birkin- 
heid is cautioner. 

67. Vol. 32. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Neilsoun spouse to John 
Fergusoune in Auchentiber in the parish of Stewartoun, 
who died in Augt. 1665, given up by the said John F. in 
behalf of Robert and Andrew their lawful bairnes, & Ex- 
ecutors Dative to the defunct. 

Free Gear £36 

Confirmed 29 March 1666. Archibald Stirling in Clark- 
land is cautioner. 

68. Vol. 33. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet McQuhirtour spouse to 
John Neilsoune in Maynes of Killochen in the parish of 
Dalye, who died in December 1665, given up by herself, 
and partly given up by her said spouse. 

Free Gear £81. 13. 4d. 

In her Will, dated at Killochen 17 December 1665, the 
deceased nominates the said John Neilsoune to be her only 
Executor, to whom she leaves the equal half of the Free 
Gear. 

Confirmed 6 April 1666. John Neilsoun living in Bla- 
chan is cautioner. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS. 33 

69. Vol.33. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Walter Neilsoune of Balgray, 
who died in April 1666, given up by William Neilsoun his 
lawful son and Executor Dative decerned to him, on 7 
Feb. 1677. 

Free Gear f 1363. 6. 8d. 

Confirmed 1 1 April 1667. Wm. Stirling, writer in Glas- 
gow, is cautioner. 

70. Vol. 33. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Neilsone relict of Andro 
Stein in Corsbie, in the parish of Dundonald, who died in 
May 1663, given up by John Hunter in Callellane, Execu- 
tor dative decerned to her. 

Amount of Inventory .... £23. 12s. 
Confirmed 12 March 1668. John Osburne Notary in 
Dundonald is cautioner. 

71. Vol 33. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Jonet Broun spouse to Robert 
Neilsone in Fulshaw, in the parish of Stewartone, who 
died in February last by past, given up by the said Robert 
Executor Dative to her. 

Free Gear £7. 6. 8d. 

Confirmed 10 March 1668. James Wallace merchant in 
Kilmarnock is cautioner. 

72. Vol. 34. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Margaret Cunyngham, spouse 
to Thomas Neilsoune in Cauldhame in the parish of Gir- 
vane, who died in Deer. 1667, given up by the said Thom- 
as, Executor Dative to her, decerned 6 March 1669. 

Free Gear £34 .. .. 

Confirmed 15 March 1669; cautioner is not named. 

73. Vol. 35. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Patrick Neilsoun in Camoqu- 



34 GLASGOW FAMILIES. 

hill in the Parish of Balfron, who died in April 1671, given 
up by Mareon Edmont his relict, and Executrix Dative 
decerned to him. 

Free Gear £30 

Confirmed on the _'.^th July 1671. Mr. James Buchanan, 
Minister at Balfron, is cautioner. 

74. Vol. 36. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Bessie Ross spouse to James 
Neilsoune, sailor in Saltcoats, in the parish of Ardrossan, 
who died in Deer, last by past, given up by the said James 
N., upgiver in behalf Grissell Neilsoun tiieir lawful daugh- 
ter 18 Janr. instant. 

Free Gear £21. 2. 2d. 

Confirmed 18 January 1673. Robert Brysone, mer- 
chant, burgess of Irvine, is cautioner. 

75. Vol. 36. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Andrew Neilson in Cauld- 
streame, in the parish of Evendaill, who died in Decem- 
ber 1672, given up by Issobell Haddow his relict and Ex- 
ecutrix Dative. 

Free Gear £23. 13. 46. 

Confirmed 18 April 1673. Cautr. not named. 

76. Vol. 37. Testament Testamentary and Inven- 
tory of the Goods, etc. of the deceased Mr. Alexr. Neil- 
soun of Maxwood, in the parish of Galstoun, who died in 
the month of July 1670, given up by himself, as his Testa- 
ment bears. 

No Free Gear. 

Mention is made of John and Hew Neilsoune, deceased, 
sons to the defunct; also of Jonet eldest daughter to the 
deceased, and Barbara, another daughter, both deceased. 

In his Will dated at Burnhous 29 June 1670, the de- 
ceased nominates Mr. Mathew Campbell of Waterhous 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS. 35 

his only Executor, and appoints John and Hew Neilsoune, 
his brothers, etc. to be Governors to George, James, and 
EHzabeth Neilsoune, his children; and ordaines Alexr. 
N. his apparent heir to pay 2000 merks to each of his chil- 
dren above named. 

Confirmed 9 Oct. 1674. Cautr. not named. 

77. Vol.38 Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased James Neilsone in Fullshaw, 
in the parish of Stewartoun, who died in Janr. 1669, given 
up by Hellen Wyllie his relict and Executrix. 

Amount of Inventory .... £30 

Confirmed 17 Oct. 1676. Cautioner is not named. 

78. Vol.40. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Agnes Neilsoune spouse to 
Thomas Auchinlosse in Frieland in the parish of Inchin- 
nan, who died in August 1678, given up by the said 
Thomas Executor decerned to her. 

Free Gear £218 

Margaret Neilsoun is a creditor; and Alexr. Neilsoune 
in Barngrie a debtor to the defunct. 

Confirmed 26 Sept. 1678. Cautioner not named. 

79. Vol. 40. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Thomas Neilsoune in Balglas, 
in the parish of Killearn, who died in July 1676, given up 
by William Neilsoune his brother german and Executor 
to him. 

Amount of Inventory .... £36 

Confirmed 4 Feb. 1679. John Neilsoun, indweller in 
Bent, is cautioner. 

80. Vol. 44. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased John and Hellen Neilsoun 
spouses in Bent, in the parish of Balfron, who died, the 
said John in Nov. 1685, and the said Hellen in March 



30 GLASGOW FAMILIES. 

1686, given up by John Neilsoun their lawful son and 
Executor. 

No Free Gear. 
Confirmed 12 May 1686. Cautioner is not named. 

81. Vol.45. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the late Mr. Alexr. Neilsoun of Maxwood 
in the parish of Galstoun. who died in July 1670, given 
up by Alexander Neilsoune his lawful son and Executor 
decerned to him 12 May 1688. 

Amount of Inventory .... £1,550. .. 

John Neilsoun, merchant in Edinburgh, and Hew Neil- 
soun, Apothecary there, his brother german, are due the 
above sum by Bond. 

Confirmed 23 Sept. 1691, and John Jamesone in Over 
Newtoune alias fair John is cautioner. 

82. Vol. 45. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased William Nilsoune, Barbour in 
Glasgow, who died in the month of given up by 
James Wotherspoon, writer in Glasgow, Executor qua 
creditor to the deceased, decerned 5 April 1727. 

Summa patet. 

In the Inventory of Debts owing to the deceased men- 
tion is made of the deceased Issobell Broun relict of Rob- 
ert Nilsoun, writer in Edinburgh, brother german to the 
deceased. 

Confirmed 28 August 1727, and J. Jacksone tailor in 
Glasgow is cautioner. [In the Bond the foresaid James 
Wotherspoon is designed writer in "Edinburgh."] 

83. Vol.51. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased Issobell Neilsoun relict of 
James Gilmour, flesher in Glasgow, who died in the month 
of given up by James Neilsoune weaver in Glasgow, 
nephew and Executor dative to the defunct. 

Inventory and Debts . . . £221. 16. 4d. 



ABSTRACTS OF NELSON WILLS. 37 

Confirmed 22 Feb. 1732. John McLedoe, late Deacon 
of the weavers in Glasgow, is cautioner. 

84. Vol. 51. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased James Neilsoun in Glenshin- 
noch, in the parish of Erskine, who died in March or April 
'^71^^ given up by James Hall, shipmaster in Greenock, 
Executor Dative qua creditor decerned to the defunct 15 
June 1732. 

Summa patet. 
Confirmed 31 January 1733. Robert Ewing, merchant 
in Glasgow, is cautioner. 

85. Vol. 52. Testament Dative and Inventory of the 
Goods, etc. of the deceased William Neilsone, gardener in 
Eglintone, in the parish of Kilwinning, who died in June 
^72)7, given up by William Miller, merchant tailor in Ir- 
vine, as lawful creditor and Executor Dative decerned to 
the defunct, on 24 Deer. 1737. 

Summa patet. 
Confirmed 28 Deer. 1737. Robert Crawfurd, writer in 
Irvine, is cautioner. 



Genealogical Table of the Foregoing Wills. 



Dute 

1564 James Neilsoun. in Lytill Fulwod 

Names wife — Katherine Symphill 
Children — Cristin 

Margaret 
Jonet 
Helen 
Father— Robert 

1610 Issobell Neilsoun. Craigtown. parish of Kilpatrlck 
Names husband — Patrick Buchanan 
Children — Patrick 
Agnes 

1612 John Neilsoun. Cubracane, parish of Kilerne 
Names 1st wife — Kathrein Barhoick 
Children — Andros 
John 
Names 2d wife— Elizabeth Buchanan 
Children — John 
Janet 
Kathrein 
Agnes 



38 



TABLE OF GLASGOW-NELSON WILLS 



1614 Issobell Neilsoun, Garroch, barony of Glasgow 
Names husband— William Mauchane 
Children — John 

Archibald 

1616 John Nellsoune. Over Gyneshlll, parish ot Dunlope 

Names wife — Jonet Dunlope 
Children — John 
Jonet 
Margaret 
Brother— Robert, of Bordland 

Robert Jr. " his son 

1617 Euphame Nellsoune, Glasgow 

Names husband— Robert Calmeroune 
Child — James 

1617 Flnlay Nellsoune. Blrklnheid. parish of Kilbarchane 
Names wife — Elizabeth Clarke 
Children — Alexander 
Christiane 
Margaret 
Cautioner — Lyoune Nellsoune. In Southbar 

1617 Patrick Nellsoune, In Blalrquosche, parish of Strablane 
Names wife — Jonet Blair 
Children — James 

John 
Debtors — James Neilsoun. Cannothell 

Downle Neilsoun, Caldstreade 
Creditor — Elspeth Neilsoun. 

1617 William Nellsoune, in Little Camhothell, parish Balfrone 
Names son — James Neilsoun 

1617 Mareon Armour. Gla.sgow 

Names husband — James Nellsoune 
Children— William 
Jeane 
Jonet 

1618 John McClorkane. Cralgmilne 

Names wife Nellsoune. parish of Innertig 

Child— Crlstiane 

1618 Margaret Neilsoun. Glasgow 

Names husband — John Reid 

Father — William Neilsoun. elder 
Brother — James Neilsoun 

James Neilsoun. son of Hew. tailor 
Margaret, dau. of William. Jr. 
Sisters — Mareon 
Agnes 
Witness— John Neilsoun. Glasgow 

1620 Hew Neilsoun. tailor, burgess of Glasgow 
Names wife — Margaret Smyth 
Son — James 
Cautioner — William Nelson. Jr.. maltman 

1622 Margaret Smyth. Glasgow 

Names husband (dec'd) — Hew Neilsoun, tailor, Glasgow 
r Cautioner — Wm. Nelson. Jr., maltman 
Exrs. -{ Son — James Neilsoun 

L Wm. Nelson. Sr. 

1627 Jonet Bar, of Irwen 

Names husband — John Neilsoun. notary, burgess of Irwen 
Children— William 

Alexander 
I.,aurence 
Agnes 
Jonet 
Jeane 
Cautioner — James Neilsoun, cordlner, " " 

1627 Crlstiane McGrenane, Plemont, parish of Glrvan 
Names husband — James Nellsoune 
Child— John 



TABLE OF GLASGOW-NELSON WILLS 39 

1»2I Gilbert Nellsoun, Fulrdhous, CraigneiU, parish Colraonell 
Names brother — Alexander 

Wife — Janet McKevne 
Children— Gilbert 
John 
Bessie 
Agnes 
Jonet 
Also names — James, his brother's son 

Bessie Kennedy, mother of Gilbert 
John 1 

Gilbert I- sons of Alex. Nellsoun of 
James i Fulrdhous 

1828 William Nellsoune. elder, maltman, burge.ss of Glasgow 

Names daughter — Mareoun Nellsoune. spouse to 

John Andersoune, cordlner 
Cautioner — Wm. Wllsoun. Jr. (?) 

16S1 Alexander Nellsoun. Splttell, of Ballach Maldane, parish of 
Drummen 

Names wife — Margaret Nellsoim 
Children— William 
Walter 
Janet 
Names also — Patrick Nellsoune In Camoquhell 

James Nellsoune her brother there 
John Nellsoune In KUfasset 

Ifii Agnea Dickie 

Names husband — James Nellsoun. cordlner. burgess of 
Irwen 
Children— John 
Jonet 
Elizabeth 

1633 Robert Nellsoune. Over Bordland. rarlsh of Dunlope 

Names wife — Agnes Gemmill 
Children— David 

Archibald 

1634 John Chlrrle. mariner, burgess of Glasgow 

1635 Issobell Nellsoune 

Names husband — Wm. Reld. Mylnetown. parish St. Kavox 
Children— William 
Bessie 
Margaret 
Mareoune 

1636 William Nellsoune. merchant, burgess of Glasgow 

Names wife — Marie Barclay 
Children — James 

1637 Jonet Nellsoune 

Names husband — James Sympsoune, Townheld. Paisley 

16'I2 James Nellsoun. cordlner. burgess of Irwen 
Writer of will — John Nellsoun 
Names children — John 
Jonet 
Elizabeth 

1643 Jonet Nellsoune. in Erskyne. parish thereof 
Names brother german — Robert 

1645 William Nellsoun. elder, maltman. burgess of Glasgow 
Names son — William, present bailie of Glasgow 
Creditor — Jonet Nellsoun 

J^oliTt^'^'^M '^^^^- °' William (Jr. ?) 
Jonet. dau. of Walter Nellsoun 
Cautioner — Walter Nellsoun. maltman. Glasgow 

1645 Marie Barclay, relict of 

William Nellsoun. burgess of Glasgow 
Debtors — Mareoun and 

Walter Nellsoun. maltman. Glasgow 



40 TABLE OF GLASGOW-NELSON WILLS 

1649 Bessie Mitchell, spouse to 

John Neilsoun, merchant, burgess of Ayr 
Names children — John 
Jonet 

1651 Lieut. Wm. Scott, merchant, burg-ess of Glasgow 
Names wife — Mareon Neilsoun 

Son-in-law — James Merschell. Glasgow 
Also names — Walter Neilsoun. maltman. Glasgow 

1667 Stephane Neilsoune. Barony Glasgow (of Kirkpatrlck) 
Names son-in-law — John Kirkland. Glasgow 

1658 Jonet Neilsoune, relict of 

Geo. Cuik, merchant, burgess of Glasgow 
Names son — James 

George, merchant in Danskin 

1662 Laurence Neilsoun, merchant, burgess of Irving 
Names wife — Margaret Cathcart 

Debtors — John Neilsoun in Downpatrick 
Alex. Neilsoun in Irven 
James Neilsoun in Stewartown 
Sisters — Sara 

Issobell 



Nephews and 1 Alexander t Ch. of h 
nieces (xathren i 



is bro. Alex. 



Sister-in-law — Jean Cathcart 

1662 David Neilsoun. Gamhill, parish of New Kilmarnock 

1663 Jonet Neilsoun 

Names lather — Lawrence Neilsoun. merchant burgess of Irving 
Alexander Neilsoune I brother and sister of 
Agnes Neilsouni- ( Lawrence 

Thomas Gait, husband of Agnes 

166,1 William Neilsoune. elder, late bailie of Glasgow 

Names dau. — Jonet Neilsoune. relict of Daniel Wallace 

1664 Margaret Neilsoun. spouse to 

John Merschell. merchant in Glasgow 
Creditor — Jonet Neilsoun, relict of Daniel Wallace 

1664 Wmphra Neilsoun. in Eister Kilfasset. parish of Balfron 
Names wife — Margaret Schort 

1664 James Neilsoun. Jr.. of Balgias Miln, parish of Killern 
Names brother — George 
Brother-in-law — John Neilsoun in Bent 
Father — James 
Cautioner — James Neilsoun. in Balgias Miln 

1664 Andrew Neilsoun in Balhomy. in parish of Cammonell 

Names wife — Marion Dowell 
Children — John 

Andrew 
Marion 
Margaret 

1665 Patrick Neilsoun. at Wodend of Kilfasset. parish of Balfron 

Names debtor — John Neilsoun. Jr., in Bent 
1st wife — Jonet Mclllhols 
Children — John 

Margaret 
Elspeth 
2d wife — Marjorie Lome 
Children — Wmphray 
Father — Wmphra 

1666 Archibald Neilsoun in Auldhill, parish of Dunlope 

Names son — John, in Auldhill 

1666 Agnes Neilsone. relict of John Semple, in Fulwood 
Names son — John Semple 

1666 Jonet Neilsoun. spouse to John Fergusoune. In Anchentlber. par- 
ish of Stewartown 

Names children — Robert 
Andrew 



TABLE OF GLASGOW-NELSON WILLS 4' 

1666 Jonet McQuhlrtour, in Maynes of KUIochen, parish of Dalye 

Names husband — Jolin Neilsoune 

Cautioner — John Neilsoun living in Blachan 

1667 Walter Neilsoun. of Balgray 

Names son — William Neilsoun 

166S Jonet Neilsone. Corsbie in parish of Dundonald 
Names husband — Andro Stein 

1668 Jonet Brown, spouse to 

Robert Neilsone, in Fulshaw. parish of Stewartone 

1669 Margaret Cunyngham. in Cauldhame. parish Giwane 

Names husband — Thomas Neilsoune 

1671 Patrick Neilsoun in Camoquhill. parish Balfron 
Names wife — Mareon Edmont 

1673 Bessie Ross. Saltcoats, parish Ardrossom 

Names husband — James Neilsoune, sailor 
Dau.— Grlssell 

1673 Andrew Neilson. in Cauldstreame. parish Evendalll 

Names wife — Issobell Haddon 

1674 Alexr. Neilsoun of Maxwood. parish of Galstoun 

Names children — John also — George 
Hew James 

Jonet Elizabeth 

Barbara Alexr. 

Brothers — John 
Hew 

1676 James Neilsone in Fullshaw, parish Stewartown 
Names wife — Hellen Wyllie 

1678 Agnes Neilsoune. Frieland. parish Inchinnan 

Names husband — Thomas Auchinlosse 
Creditor — Margaret Neilsoun 
Debtor — Alexr. Neilsoune In Barngrie 

1679 Thomas Neilsoune in Balglas. parish Killearn 

Names brother-german — William Neilsoune 

Cautioner — John Neilsoun, In Bent 

1686 Hellen Neilsoun, Bent, parish of Balfron 
Names husband — John Neilsoun 
Son — John 

1691 Alexr. Neilsoun. Maxwood. parish of Galstoun 
Names son — Alexander 
Creditors — John Neilsoun, mercht In Edinburgh 
Hew Neilsoun. apothecary 
his brother german 

1727 William Nilsoune. Barbour in Glasgow 

Debtor — Issobell Brown, relict of 

Robert Nilsoun. writer In Edinburgh, 
brother-german to dec'd 

1732 Issobell Neilsoun. Glasgow 

Names husband — James Gilmour. flesher 

Nephew — James Neilsoune, weaver In Glasgow 

1733 James Neilsoun, in Glenshinnoch. parish of Erskine 

1737 William Neilsone. gardener In Eglintone, parish Kilwinning 

Names creditor — William Miller, merchant tailor In Irvine 



Extracts from Liber Protocollorum M. Cuthberti Simonis 
Notarii Public! et Scribae Capituli Glasguensis A. D. 
1499-1513; also 

Rental Book of Diocese of Glascow, A. D. 1909-1570 
["Diocesan Registers of Glascow,"] London, 1875. 



FIRST— RENTAL BOOK OF THE DIOCESE OF 
GLASGOW. 



1510 xxij Januarii, Anno Domini, etc., Quingentes- 
imo decimo Johannes Neylsone rentalizatur in v ^ 
X d terraruni de Crestisone, de consensu Mariote 
Baird, ipsa gaudente ad vitam.* Pp. 44, 220. 

1535 Die vltimo mensis Mercii, Anno Domini M° Quin- 
gentesimo xxxv'" Jhon Anderson, son to Wilzam 
Anderson, is rentalit in xv .y land in Litil Gevand, 
vvacand be decessef of his fadyr; Marcon Neilson. 
his modyr, broukand for her tym.it P- 106. 

[152 1, May 18 — Jhon Anderson, zoungar, 
rentalHt in vj s iii d land off Gvvfane, be 
consent off Walter Andersone. 
1 5 10, May 6 — Rentalizatur Walterus Ander- 
sone in xvij s v] d terrarum de Cristin- 
sone, de consensu matris, matre gaudente 
ad vitam.] 

•Ipsa gaudente at vitam— she enjoying for life. 
tWacand be decesae— vacant by the decease. 
Broukand for her tym— «nJoying the use during her life or time. 



NELSON TENANTS, GLASGOW, 1 535" I 552 43 

1535 Die xiiij*° meiisis Mali, anno quo supra, Jhon Gray 
is rentalit in thre j. land in Crystown, be consent of 
Ihon Neilson. P. io6. 

[See first extract above — 1510, January 22.] 

^535 [Die xiiij'° mensis Novembris] Jhon Gray is rent- 
alit in thretty fif penny land in Cristoun, be consent 
of Jhon Neilsouii. P. 107. 

1539 I^ie xj° mensis Junii, anno quo supra [1539], 
Dauid Androson is rentalit in fif s. land in Litil 
Govand, vacand be decesse of Wilzam Androson, 
his fadyr; Mareon Neilson, his modyr, brukand 
for hir tym. P. 114. 

[1525 [xxij° Mali] Wyl Andersone, alias 
Lang Wylle, rentellit in fiff s. land off 
Lytil Gwuane, be consent off Wylle 
Gardnar.] 

1552 [Vigesiino tertio mensis Marcii, anno Domini mil- 
lesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo secundo] is 
rentallit Jhone Neilson in sax s. viij penny land, ly- 
and in the wester quarter of Chattilston, be the con- 
sent of Thomas Selkryk and Jonat Braikanryg, his 
mothyr, according to the contrak of vendition maid 
betwyx the saidis pairtis, subscrivit be Schyr Dauid 
Mackewne, notair, and als monist be the official of 
Glasgo, in dait of the said contrak, the xv day of 
December, anno Domini M° quingentesimo quin- 
quagesimo, and of the monition the forsaid day and 
dait the said Jhone Neilson producit ane dischairge 
of the sowme promisit the saming. Pp. 140-41. 
[1545 (Die xxvj*'* Februarii) is rentalit Al- 
exander Selkryg in sax s. viij d land in 
the weist quartar of Scheddistoun, be 
consent of Jhon Selkrig, his fadyr; the 



44 NELSON TENANTS, GLASGOW, 1 553 

said Jhon and Katrine Thomson, his wef, 
broukand fourty d. for thar lyftym. 
[15 15 (xx Decembris) Jhone Selkreg ren- 
tellit in vj i- viij d land off Chedilstoune.] 

1553 [Decimo tertio Aprilis] is rentallit IVylscm Neil- 
son, sone to wmquhill* Jlwiir Ncilsoiic, in fif ^. 
land in to westyr quarter of Schetdylston, be the 
consent of Elezebeth Andyrson and James Ritclie, 
hyr spows, for his entres; Marion Rytche, mothyr 
to the said Jhone Neilson, brwkand for hyr tym. 
P. 145. 

[1545 (xxij""" Marcii) is rentalit Elizabeth 
Anderson, dochter to wmquhil Patrik 
Anderson, in fif s. land of the thryd part 
of Scheddilstoun, be decesse of vmquhil 
Patrik, hyr fadyr, last possessour tharof. 
P. 130.] 

[1535 (Die xiiij'° mensis Nouembris) Jhon 
Anderson is rentalit in ten 5. land in the 
fyrd part of Scheddilstoun, be consent of 
Patrik Anderson, his fadyr, the said Pat- 
rik broukand for his tym. P. 107.] 

1553 Vigesimo quarto Aprilis, Jhone Kennoch, sone to 
Jhone Kennoch, is rentaillit in sax s. ij penny land 
in Balschagrie, be the selling and consent of Rob- 
ert Neilson. P. 145. 

1553 Eodem die, Jhone Ncylson, guidsone to James 
Quhyt, is rentaillit in fyf 5. v penny land in Neth- 
irpossill, be consent of said James, quha wes last 
rentaillit tharinto. P. 145. 

[1537 (Die tercio mensis Aprilis, anno 



•Wmquhill. umquhlle. umwhlle— once, at one time, formerly, late, de- 
parted. 



NELSON TENANTS, GLASGOW, I558-I565 45 

Domini 1537°), James Quheyt is rentel- 
lit in fif s. vj d. land in Nedder Possille, 
be consent of Andro Sym. P. 1 10.] 

1558-9. Die xj^ mensis Februarii, is licens gevin to Eliz- 
abeth Riche to mary Jhone Neilson, and to bruk 
xvj s iiij d land in Nethir Carneden, nochtwyth- 
standing our actis in the contrar. P. 172. 

1565. The xxvj day of Appryle, 1565, Jhone Neilson is 
rentellit in vj s viij d land in Scheddylston, be con- 
cent and alienation of Thomas Selrig, last rentel- 
lair thairof, et prestitus consensus. P. 184. 
[See above — 1552, 23 March.] 



SECOND— ABSTRACT OF PROTOCOL. 



JAMES NEILSON, PROCTOR, I5O3-I512. 

A'off.— The following notices of James (Magister Jacobus) Neilson 
indicate that he was a lawyer ot much prominence in the church courts, 
1503-1512. his practice including cases civil and criminal, as well as those 
of a purely ecclesiastical character. In many of the instances cited, 
where he is mentioned as a witness, he was really a part of the court, 
assenting to the transactions set forth. In England and America he 
would be called a proctor of the court, instead of procurator. In the 
work from which these memoranda are taken the documents are given 
In full, in Latin, in volume II.; an abstract in English is given In 
Volume I. They are numbered, and for convenience of reference the 
documents are here cited by numbers instead of by pages in the two 
volumes. 

1503, Jan. 15. In the case of Nicholas Markbraer, alder- 
man of Dumfries, against Sir William Heris, with 
reference to the homicide of Sir John Markbraer, 



46 JAMES NEILSON, PROCTOR, 1503-1506. 

presbyter, the matter was referred, by consent of 
Nicholas, to the Archbishop of Glasgow, but the 
accusers not appearing, on motion of Mr. James 
Neilson, procurator for the said Sir William, per- 
petual silence was imposed on said Nicholas, and 
others desirous of making the accusation. Nos. 58, 
59, 60. 

1503, Jan. 20. Procurator for David, Bishop of Argyle. 
No. 62. 

1504, March 12. Advocate of Sir Alexander Panter. 
vicar of Castelstaris. No. 94. 

1505, July 2. Witness to an interesting and important 
transaction, in which an heiress of the Napier estate 
consents to an entail on the male heir, by touching 
with her right hand the hand of the lord official — 
an ecclesiastical form borrowed from the Roman 
law. No. 138. 

1505, Feb. 23. Procurator of Mr. John Sanquhare. al- 
leged vicar of Wallistoun. No. 150. 

1506, May 27. Collated to the chaplaincy founded at St. 
James's altar in the church of Glasgow; he being 
presented to the archbishop by the president and 
chapter, and collated by his grace placing on his 
finger a ring, and committing to him the care and 
management thereof. No. 165. 

1506, June 10. Witness to a decree by the archbishop of 
Glasgow, in a cause between Mr. John Sprewle and 
Mr. Ninian Dalgliesh. No. 176. 

1506, June 23. Procurator and advocate on behalf of 
Marian Newtoun, relict of Robert Mwre of Row- 
allane. No. 182. 



JAMES NEILSON, PROCTOR, 1506-151O. 47 

1506, Feb. I. Witness to an instrument affecting the 
Gordon, Glencairn and Lochinvar families, and 
lands in Kirkcudbricht, etc. No. 200. 

1 507, July 3 1 . Witness to an agreement relating to lands 
of Schawtoun, infeft from John, Lord Symple. No. 
257- 

1507, Nov. 12. Advocate for Patrick Cockburn, and 
procurator for Sir Alexander Cockburn, rector of 
Scraling (now Skirling, a parish within the dean- 
ery of Peebles), and of James and William Cock- 
burn, farmers of the lands of Threpislak and 
Sowthluke. No.'s 266 and 272. 

1507, Sept. 18. Appointed one of the procurators of 
Robert, archbishop of Glasgow, in the matter of 
an application of the abbot of Paisley for certain 
exemptions for his abbey and convent. No. 276. 

1508, Nov. 9. Witness to the postulating of James Be- 
toun, bishop of Candida casa, to the archbishopric 
of Glasgow, and the protesting of Mr. Martin 
Bede, chancellor of Glasgow. No. 288. 

1509, April 17. Witness to the publication by the arch- 
bishop of Glasgow, of a certain public edict or man- 
date. No. 355. 

1 5 ID, March 25. Witness to an instrument of submis- 
sion by Sir John Kichin, chaplain, for himself, and 
John Knok for his son Uchred, to arbitration, re- 
specting the wounding of said Sir John by said 
Uchred, and the amend to be made therefor. No. 

415- 
1 5 ID, April 8. Advocate for Sir Adam Turnbule, pres- 
byter, accused of having slain Robert Farescht, lay- 
man. Nos. 422, 423, 458. 



48 JAMES NEILSON, PROCTOR, 151O-I5II. 

1510, May 13. Witness to certain most indecent and 
disrespectful language by Mr. Andrew Birkinyre, 
respecting Mr. Martin Rede, the chancellor and of- 
ficial of Glasgow. Nos. 440, 442. 

1510, June 21. Witness to certain proceedings regarding 
the homage of the archbishop of Glasgoav to the 
archbishop of St. Andrews, primate of Scotland. 
No.'s 468 and 469. 

1510, July 31. Witness to an instrument on the judicial 
confession by John Blair. No. 478. 

1 5 10, Aug. 12. Witness to the renunciation by George 
Johnstoun, procurator for Agnes Johnston, his 
daughter, of certain appeals from the see of Glas- 
gow. No. 483. 

1 5 10, Sept. 2. Procurator for John Rig. in certain liti- 
gation between Agnes Johnstoun, relict of Hugh 
Rig, and the said John Rig, respecting the ofifice of 
executrix of said deceased Hugh Rig. No. 485. 

1510, Sept. 23. Witness to an instrument excusing Mr. 
John Gibson, prebendary of Renfrew, for not ap- 
pearing to answer certain charges, etc. No. 486. 

1510, Jan. 16. Witness to a narration respecting the 
fining of Allan Leithame by Matthew, Earl of Len- 
nox, provost of Glasgow, because he had appealed 
from the civic tribunal to the church officials. "Be- 
cause ilk juge suld put his awn sentence till execu- 
tione." No. 503. 

151 1, April 14. Witness to narration respecting the pun- 
ishment of Sir John Wanles, for the cruel slaughter 
of Adam Moscrop, scholar. No. 516. 

151 1, April 26. Appointed one of the procurators of the 
consistorial court of Glasgow. No. 519. 



JAMES NEILSON, PROCTOR, 151I-1513. 49 

151 1, April 30. Witness to order of Mr. Martin Rede, 
chancellor and official-general of Glasgow, etc., im- 
posing perpetual silence upon the accusers of Mr. 
Edward Creychton, presbyter, for art and part of 
the slaughter of Alexander Fergusson and Robert 
Fergusson, the accusers not having compeared be- 
fore the spiritual court. No. 521. 

151 1, July 9. Witness to the confession of Sir John 
Leith, that he was present at the plundering of the 
royal chapel of Dundonald. No. 539. 

151 1, Aug. 9. Witness to narration concerning the case 
of Mr. James Merchenstoun vs. Archibald Layng, 
vicar of Eastwood. No. 542. 

151 1, Aug. 31. Witness to renunciation by Cuthbert 
Alexander, in consideration of 5 merks, of the con- 
tract between him and Janet Hall, and dowry 
promised him with her daughter, deceased. No. 
549- 

151 1, Sept. 20. Witness to warning given to Mr. David 
Dwn, vicar-pensioner of Govan, to make personal 
residence at said church. No. 554. 

15 12, July 27. Appointed one of the procurators of Mr. 
Richard Hucheson, vicar of Kirkbean, "with pow- 
er under God to compear on his behalf before the 
official of Glasgow." No. 585. 

15 13, Jan. 10. Witness to narration respecting Helen 
Hannay, relict, and one of the executors of William 
Smith, burgess of Glasgow. Done at the chamber 
of said Mr. James Neilson, in the Drygate (Vico 
sicco) of Glasgow. No. 586. 

1513, Dec. 19. Witness to accusation against Mr. Mat- 
thew Steward, vicar of Maybole. No. 588. 



50 JAMES NEILSON, VICAR OF CLONMELL. 

1 5 12, March 5. Witness to the presentation of a com- 
mission by the archbishop of Glasgow for the inves- 
tigation respecting certain teinds claimed by Mr. 
Martin Rede, as chancellor of Glasgow and prebend 
of Campsy. No. 608. 

1512, March 14. Appointment as one of the procurators 
of Mr. Martin Rede, chancellor of Glasgow, in re 
Rede vs. Mr. Walter Abernethy, provost of Dum- 
barton. No. 617. 

1513, July 2. Witness to acceptance by Mr. James Stew- 
art of the perpetual vicarage of Dundonald. No. 
646. 

JAMES NEILSON, VICAR OF CLONMELL. 

1507, April 27. Renunciation by Nicholas Hwme, eldest 
son and heir of Thomas Hwme of Langschaw, 
knight, before James Neilson, vicar of Colmonell, 
commissary for the time of the officialate of Glas- 
gow, sitting in judgment in the consistory court of 
Glasgow. No's 225 and 226. 

1507, May 26. Present as one of the chapter in the 
Whitsunday chapter, on the occasion of the confirm- 
ation of a charter to the prebendary of Renfrew. 
No. 238. 

1507, June 8. Witness to renunciation of Richard Blak 
as executor of William Denby. No. 241. 

1507, June 12. Witness to the admission of William 
Elphinstoun to the office of under sacrist, vacant 
by the death of William Denby. No. 242. 

1 5 ID, July 5. Assedation in feu-farm granted by Sir 
Martin Rede, in favor of Mr. James Neilson, vicar 



OTHER NELSONS, 1506-I5IO. 5 I 

of Colmonell, of a tenement on the south side of 
the Drygate of Glasgow, at an annual rent of 5 
merks. No.'s 471 and 472. 
151 1, Oct. 5. Present at narration of protest of Mr. 
William Brown, vicar of the choir of Glasgow, 
asking for remedy of law against Mr. Alexander 
Inglis, treasurer of Glasgow. No. 557. 

151 1, March 15. Present at confession of John Fergus- 
son of Cardaracht respecting the parish clerkship 
of Glencairn. No. 568. 

1512, April 21. Present at accusation of disgraceful and 
licentious conduct of Sir James Falzour, a priest, 
with complainant's daughter. No. 569. 

OTHER NELSONS. 

1506, July 9. Gilcrist Neilsone was a witness to an obli- 
gation by Robert Creichtoun of Kirkpatrick, to pay 
certain farm-duty and rents of the church in 1505. 
No. 186. 

1506, July 27. Mr. James Neilsone, commissary of the 
official of Glasgow, warned certain farmers, under 
pain of excommunication, respecting the payment 
of their tithes to the church. No. 189. 

1507, April 2"]. Mr. James Neilson, commissary for the 
time of the officialate of Glasgow, sat in judgment 
in the consistory of Glasgow, respecting the renun- 
ciation by Nicholas Hwme, of all claim and title in 
certain 6 merk lands of Cassiltoun. No. 226. 

1510, July 31. Mr. James Neilson, dean of Conigham, 
gave warning in writing to certain persons not to 
intromit in time to come with Sir Thomas Brown, 
presbyter, who was excommunicated, by living or 
eating with him, treating him as a friend, etc. No. 
479- 



"Extracts from The History of the Sufferings of the 
Church of Scotland, from the Restauration to the 
Revolution, etc., by Mr. Robert Wodrow, Minister of 
the Gospel at Eastwood." Edinburgh, 1721, Vol. I., 
pp. 242, 257, 258-260. 



The Sufferings of one of those worthy Persons, John 
Neilson of Corsack, in the Parish of Partan in Galloway, 
and those of his Lady and Children, are so remarkable, 
that they deserve a Room in this Collection; and I see 
not where an Abstract of them can be more properly in- 
sert than here. Mr. Dalgleish, the Curate of Partan, had 
no small Hand in this Gentleman's Hardships. When 
Sir James Turner came first into Galloway, Corsack was 
soon delated by the Curate for Nonconformity, and Sir 
James exacted an Hundred Pounds Scots from him, and, 
contrary to Promise, he was sent Prisoner to Kirkcud- 
bright. He suffered very much by Quarterings of Sol- 
diers upon him; from the Beginning of March, to the End 
of May that Year, he had Troopers lying on him, some- 
times Ten, sometimes Six, sometimes Four at once, and 
was forced to pay each Man Half a Crown a Day, which 
came to Eight hundred and nineteen Pounds Scots, and 
free Quarters besides to Man and Horse; which, mod- 
erately computing at Fifteen Pence a Day, amounts to 
Four hundred and eight Pounds, Ten Shillings. Next 
Year, Sir James Turner sent Six Foot-soldiers to quarter 
upon him, from March to the Middle of June. These had 
each of them Twelve Pence a Day, besides free Quarters, 
which amounts to Seven hundred and fifty six Pounds. 



THE SUFFERINGS OF NEILSON OF CORSACK. 53 

By those Hardships, Corsack was obHged to leave his 
House, and wander up and down; and, upon his hiding, 
he lost his Horse worth an Hundred Pounds, and was 
seized himself, and imprisoned for some Time. The loss 
of his Household-stuff, Victual, and most Part of his 
Sheep, cannot be well reckoned. When they had turned 
his Lady and Children to the Doors, they fell upon his 
Tenants, and obliged them to bring them in Sheep, Lambs, 
Meal, and Malt, till they were well nigh ruined. And last 
of all, they drove all his Oxen and black Cattle to Glas- 
gow, and sold them. And all this for nothing else but pre- 
cise Nonconformity. 

After all this Oppression, of which I have before me an 
attested Account, the Reader can scarce wonder that he, 
and many others in the like Circumstances, took hold on 
the first Opportunity that offered to complain of, and re- 
lieve themselves of those Calamities. When essaying this, 
he is taken at Pentland, and, when a Prisoner in Edin- 1666 
burgh Tolbooth, Sir James Turner used his Interest to 
get his Life spared, because Corsack, out of his truly 
Christian Temper, saved Sir James, when some were seek- 
ing to take his Life, both at Dumfries and afterwards, 
though few had felt more of his Severity than this Gentle- Nov. 15-26 
man; Mr. Dalgleish the Curate, getting Notice of it, ap- 
plied himself to some of the Bishops, and acquainted them, 
Corsack was a Ringleader to the Phanaticks in Galloway, 
and if he were spared, he needed not think of continuing 
in his Parish, and they might spare them all. This went 
further than Sir James his Interest could go, and so he 
was executed [with four others]. Deem 

The Council being weary of disposing Heads and Arms, 
order the Magistrates of Edinburgh to affix their Heads 
on such Ports of the Town as they see fit, and bury their 
Bodies in the usual Place 



Nov. 28 



54 THE SUFFERINGS OF NEILSON OF CORSACK. 

His Lady being in Edinburgh after her Husband's 
Death, Maxvvel of Mihoun came to the House of Corsack, 
with Thirty Men, and took away every Thing that was 
portable, and destroyed tlie rest, and turned the Family, 
and a Nurse with a sucking Child, to the open Fields. 
Some Time after, Sir William Bannantyne came and in- 
ventared any Thing that was in the House, seized that 
Year's Crop, and arrested the Rents in the Tenants Hands. 
One of the Tenants, Arthur McGachie in Glenhead, with 
his Wife and a young Child, were carried off Prisoners, 
and kept some Weeks, merely because he had conversed 
with his Master Corsack, before Pentland, a Day or Two 
after he had been at Dumfries. The same Sir William, 
a little after, came, and took Lodging with Thirty Horse 
in Corsack, till the Lady gave him a Bond, with Two 
Neighbor Gentlemen Cautioners, for Three Hundred 
Merks. The Laird of Partan, a Papist, possest himself of 
a part of Corsack's Lands contiguous to his in that Parish, 
of about Eighty Pounds Scots yearly, and forced the Ten- 
ant to pay One hundred and twenty Pounds of Rent, due 
to Corsack before Pentland. And further, by virtue of 
the Forfeiture, the said Popish Gentleman defrauded the 
Lady Corsack of a Bond he had given to her Husband, of 
Four hundred and eight Merks Scots, and all the Literest. 
The said Gentlewoman had all her Moveables seized, for 
her Converse with her own Son, who had been intercom- 
muned, and paid near an Hundred Pounds. In the Year 
1680, her Son was forfeited, merely for Noncompearance ; 
and in a Year or Two, by Claverhouse's Troop, and others, 
she lost and expended on vexatious Suits, upwards of Four 
hundred Pounds. Her eldest Son, for Three Years, was 
forced to wander and hide in Ireland. In the Year 1684. 
she and her Second Son being cited to a Court for not 
hearing the Curate, her Son was imprisoned for some 



THE SUFFERINGS OF NEILSON OF CORSACK. 55 

Months, and fined in Two hundred Merks : And still 
forward, until the Liberty 1687. this excellent Gentle- 
woman was vexed with Parties of Soldiers, and Compear- 
ance before the Courts, which put her to great Trouble, 
and much Charges. From these well vouched Accounts, 
the Reader will have some View of the Hardships where- 
with the Families of such who appeared at Pentland, were 
distressed. 

Before those Executions began, which I have put all 
together : Upon the 4th of December, I find the Council 
order Mr. Hugh M'Kail and John Neilson of Corsack, to 
be tortured with the Boots, a Practice not used before in 
Scotland, in the Memory of any now living; and I doubt 
if it was often practiced since the Reformation. Now it 
was brought in, and violently urged by the Prelates, and 
afterward frequently used, as we shall hear. This, with 
other inhumane and barbarous Tortures made Use of in 
this Period, was justly complained of at the Revolution, 
and abrogated. 

What moved the Council to pitch upon those Two, I do 
not know. Mr. M'Kail was a Youth of great Sense and 
Learning, and Corsack a gentleman of excellent Parts, 
and probably from them they expected vast Discoveries. 
A Conspiracy was pretended, and they were to be exam- 
ined by this Torture in Presence of the Council, and Inter- 
rogatories formed to be put to them, which I have not 
seen. But there was indeed no Plot to be found, and their 
Rising was merely for Self-defence, and unconcerted. 
Corsack was fearfully tormented, so that his Shreiks would 
have melted any Body but those present, who still called 
for the other Touch. Nothing was recorded, for all they 
said was what they had candidly signified before, That 
the Oppression of the Country had forced them to rise in 
Arms, and being up, they were obliged in Self-defence to 
stick together. The Sufferings of Mr. Hugh M'Kail are 



x«»?c. 



56 THE SUFFERINGS OF NEILSON OF CORSACK. 

SO singular, tliat though they are printed in Nephthali,^ 
yet being so proper for a History of this Nature, I would 
willingly have insert them here were they not very prolix, 
and therefore must refer my Reader thither, for a larger 
Account of this singular Person. 

Fines imposed by Middleton, in Parliament, 1662. 
Wigtoun Shire — Gilbert Neilson of Catchcathie. .£1300 
Kirkcudbright Shire — James Neilson of Ervie. . . . £360 
Thomas Neilson of Knock- 

whawock £240 

— Wodrozv's Church History, Vol. I., App. pp. 66, 68. 

A proclamation was issued by the King, May 9, 1668, 
against a large number of Rebels who had not accepted the 
indemnity offered by him, October 9, 1667, and they were 
ordered to be arrested, among them — 

Andrew Haining, servant to John Neilson of Corsack 
(Dairy Parish). — Wodrow, I., Appendix, p. 122. 

"The Country-people who came to Dumfries, were com- 
manded by Andrew Gray, and John Neilson of Corsack, 
and by a Surprise apprehended Sir James Turner in his 
Chamber in Bailie Finnie's." .... Ibid., p. 251. 

On the trial of Col. James Wallace and others, on Au- 
gust 15, 1667, for treason, in having marched against 
Dumfries in the preceding November, and waged open 
rebellion against the King, among other witnesses, 

"John Neilson in Ramshead, aged Thirty six Years, or 
thereby, married, sworn, depones. That he knows nothing 
of their riding in Order, nor Blackstouns riding in the 
Rear, that he saw none of the County-people, that Caldwel 
and the rest of the Gentlemen never told them whether 

1 Naphtali, or the Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland for the King- 
dom of Christ, contained in a true and short Deduction thereof from 
the Beginning of the Reformation of Religion, until the Year 1667. 
Together with the last Speeches and Testimonies of some who have 
died for the Truth since the Year 1660. \\'Tiereunto are also suhjoined, 
a Relation of the Sufferings and Death of Mr. Hew McKail. and some 
Instances of the Sufferings of Galloway and Nithisdale. 1667. 12mo. 



THE SUFFEKINGS OF NEILSON OF CORSACK. 57 

they were going to the Southland Party ; as to their being 
at Chitterfleet, the rest of their Journey and Number, de- 
pones confor)nis prae cedciiti, and to the threatening of 
Mr. Gabriel Maxwel, and depones that Quarreltoun went 
all alongst with them." — Wodrozv, I., Appendix, p. io8. 



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12 1904 



3EC 8 19f»4- 



DEC 12 8W% 



